ABOUT  NIKI

Early Life & Background

Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as NIKI, was born on January 24, 1999, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Raised in a musically inclined household, she grew up listening to R&B legends like Destiny’s Child and Aaliyah, which shaped her sound. At 15, NIKI won a competition to open for Taylor Swift's concert in Jakarta, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning music career. In 2017, at 18, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to study music at Lipscomb University, a Christian liberal arts college, furthering her musical journey.​ NIKI's early life in Jakarta, combined with her diverse musical influences and experiences, has significantly shaped her unique sound and artistic identity. 

Music Journey

NIKI began her career by uploading acoustic covers and original songs on YouTube, where her raw talent gained attention. In 2017, she signed with 88rising, a global music collective promoting Asian artists. Through this platform, NIKI transitioned from indie-pop to a polished blend of R&B, alternative, and pop, crafting a unique and recognizable sound.

Inspirations

NIKI’s music reflects her personal experiences—love, identity, and self-discovery. Her sound blends R&B, indie-pop, folk, and soulful storytelling. She cites Taylor Swift, Lauryn Hill, and Alicia Keys as major influences, which is evident in her poetic lyrics and emotional delivery.