Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as NIKI, is an Indonesian singer-songwriter born on January 24, 1999, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Raised in Jakarta, NIKI demonstrated an early passion for music, teaching herself to play guitar and write songs from the age of nine. She attended Pelita Harapan School and by the age of 15, she had already won a contest to perform as the opening act for Taylor Swift’s The Red Tour in Jakarta, showcasing her burgeoning talent. During her teenage years, NIKI maintained a YouTube channel where she uploaded original songs and covers, often performed acoustically and filmed in her bedroom, which helped her gain an initial following.
In 2017, NIKI relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue music studies at Lipscomb University. During this period, she began releasing singles under the name NIKI through the American record label 88rising, marking the start of her professional music career. Her breakthrough came with her contributions to the 88rising collaborative album “Head in the Clouds” in 2018, where she featured on five songs, establishing her presence in the music scene.
NIKI continued to rise in prominence with the release of her single “lowkey” in April 2019, which led into her second EP, “wanna take this downtown?”. Later that year, she appeared on 88rising’s “Head in the Clouds II” and supported the album with a live acoustic EP titled “NIKI Acoustic Sessions: Head in the Clouds II.” Her debut full-length album, “Moonchild,” released on September 10, 2020, showcased her versatility and artistic growth. The album’s singles “Switchblade,” “Selene,” and “Lose” received critical acclaim, and NIKI premiered a livestream concert titled “Moonchild EXPERIENCE” in support of the album.
In 2021, NIKI contributed to the Marvel Studios’ official soundtrack for “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” with the lead single “Every Summertime” gaining significant attention. This period marked her growing influence and recognition in the global music industry. In April 2022, NIKI made history alongside her labelmate Rich Brian by becoming one of the first Indonesian artists to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
NIKI’s second studio album, “Nicole,” was released on August 12, 2022, following singles such as “Before,” “Oceans and Engines,” and “High School in Jakarta.” The album, described by Vanity Fair as a “sonic time capsule of a breakup album,” was praised for its emotional depth and lyrical honesty. NPR highlighted NIKI’s ability to capture the emotional essence of her experiences. Alongside the album, NIKI released a short film titled “But I’m Letting Go,” which premiered on Amazon Prime Video and was supported by screening events in major cities.
NIKI embarked on her debut headlining concert tour, “Nicole World Tour” (2022–2023), visiting over 40 cities across North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. In May 2023, she released her first live album, “NIKI: Live at The Wiltern,” and expanded her tour dates to include performances at major festivals like Lollapalooza and Outside Lands. Her performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts series further solidified her reputation as a compelling live artist.
Throughout her career, NIKI has garnered global recognition for her songwriting and musicianship, becoming one of the most popular female artists from Indonesia. Her inclusion in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in 2020 is a testament to her impact and influence in the music industry. With a unique blend of contemporary R&B and pop, NIKI continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her heartfelt lyrics and distinctive sound.
