NIKI

Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as NIKI, is an Indonesian singer, songwriter, and record producer born on January 24, 1999, in Jakarta, Indonesia. She taught herself to play the guitar at the age of nine and began writing her own music at 13. Growing up, she was influenced by her mother's love for '90s R&B artists like Destiny's Child and Aaliyah. At 15, she won a competition to open for Taylor Swift's "The Red Tour" in Jakarta. During her teenage years, she built a following on YouTube by posting original songs and covers.

Career Beginnings and 88rising

In 2017, NIKI moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to study music at Lipscomb University. That same year, she signed with the record label 88rising, which focuses on promoting Asian artists globally. Her early singles under 88rising, such as "See U Never" and "I Like U," were released while she was still in university. She contributed to 88rising's collaborative album "Head in the Clouds" in 2018. Her debut EP, "Zephyr," was released in May 2018, showcasing a more produced R&B and pop sound. This was followed by her second EP, "wanna take this downtown?," in 2019, which featured the popular single "Lowkey".

Studio Albums

NIKI released her debut full-length studio album, "Moonchild," on September 10, 2020. The album was recognized as one of the best Asian albums of the year by NME. Her second album, "Nicole," was released on August 12, 2022, and featured re-recorded versions of some of her older songs from her YouTube era. The album included singles like "Before," "Oceans & Engines," and "High School in Jakarta". Her third studio album, "Buzz," was released in 2024.

Artistry and Impact

NIKI's music is often characterized as a blend of contemporary R&B, pop, and indie-folk. She has been praised for her songwriting and ability to connect with listeners through relatable lyrics. In 2020, she was named on Forbes' "30 Under 30 Asia" list. In April 2022, NIKI made history as the first Indonesian female artist to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. She has undertaken several headlining tours, including the extensive Nicole World Tour (2022–2023) and the Buzz World Tour (2024–2025), performing in numerous countries across multiple continents.