NIKI, Indonesia's R&B Queen

A singer, songwriter, and music producer from Indonesia, NIKI is recognized as one of Asia's music icons on the global stage. With her smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and authentic style, NIKI has become a prominent name in the international music scene, especially under the 88rising label. Her career has inspired many young Asians to dream big in the world of arts.

Full Name: Nicole Zefanya
Stage Name: NIKI
Date of Birth: January 24, 1999
Place of Birth: Jakarta, Indonesia
Nationality: Indonesian

Early Life and Journey to Music

X: @nikizefanya

    NIKI was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, in a family that deeply loved music. Her mother, a music teacher, had a huge influence on introducing NIKI to the world of art. At a young age, NIKI already showed exceptional musical talent. She taught herself how to play guitar and piano while writing her first song at the age of 9.

    Her interest in music grew stronger when she listened to albums by artists like Taylor Swift and John Mayer. The lyrics and melodies of these two musicians became early inspirations for NIKI to write songs filled with emotion and honesty.

    At 15, NIKI started uploading cover songs and original works on YouTube, slowly building her fanbase. A significant moment in her early career was when she won a Taylor Swift music competition to open for The Red Tour concert in Jakarta in 2014. This experience became a big stepping stone that motivated her to pursue a career in the music industry.

Bergabung dengan 88rising

 

    After graduating high school, NIKI decided to continue her studies at a university in Nashville, USA, a city known as the heart of country music. However, her dream of becoming a professional musician remained her top priority. She continued developing her skills in songwriting and music production.

    In 2017, NIKI caught the attention of 88rising, a music label known for supporting Asian artists to break into the international market. She quickly joined the label and released her debut single, "See U Never" which received a positive response. Her unique voice and relatable songwriting style immediately captured the public's attention.

Career Journey and Discography

Instagram: @nikizefanya

    NIKI released her debut EP, Zephyr, in 2018, featuring songs like "Vintage" and "Newsflash!". This EP introduced NIKI's signature sound, a blend of modern R&B and pop, with emotional and personal lyrics. The success of this EP made NIKI one of Asia's most promising artists.

    Her debut album, Moonchild (2020), marked a significant step in her career. This concept album explored themes of emotional journey, identity, and self-discovery. Divided into three sections—Crescent, Half-Moon, and Full Moon—the album showcased NIKI's ability to create works that are both musically and lyrically complex.

Collaborations and Compilation Projects

X: @nikizefanya

    As part of 88rising, NIKI has often been involved in collaborative projects with other artists, including:

• "Midsummer Madness" – A popular summer song featuring Rich Brian, Joji, and Higher Brothers.
• "Shouldn't Couldn't Wouldn't" – A collaboration from the Head in the Clouds II compilation album.
• "California" – An introspective song about the struggles of Asian artists in America, released on Head in the Clouds III.

    In addition, NIKI has performed at various international music festivals, including Coachella 2022, where she was one of the most anticipated Asian artists.

Pengaruh dan Dampak Budaya

Instagram: @nikizefanya

    As one of the successful Asian female artists in the international music industry, NIKI is a symbol of representation and empowerment. She often speaks out about the importance of diversity in music, showing that Asian voices have a place on the global stage.

    Beyond music, NIKI is known for her humble personality and closeness to her fans. Her personal and poetic lyrics make many people feel connected to her, making her not just an artist, but also a friend to many.

 

• Key Discography:
• Zephyr (2018) – Her debut EP that introduced NIKI's signature R&B sound.
• Moonchild (2020) – A concept album exploring identity themes.
• Nicole (2022) – An album that highlights NIKI's older unreleased works, including the iconic song "Every Summertime" from the Marvel movie Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Instagram: @nikizefanya

   With talent, dedication, and a strong creative vision, NIKI continues to rise as one of the most promising artists of the younger generation. She is a living proof that big dreams can come true with hard work and the courage to step out of one's comfort zone. From Jakarta to the global stage, NIKI is a voice that will continue to resonate for generations to come.