By Maria Michaela R. Arosa
In a whirlwind of achievements, particularly with her hit songs “Every Summertime” and “I Like U,” Niki has carved her name in the music industry as a trailblazer. From making history as the first Indonesian artist to grace Coachella’s stage, to captivating audiences worldwide with her Nicole album and concluding a triumphant world tour, Niki’s musical rise is nothing short of remarkable.
In this Deep Dive, we take a look at Niki’s beginnings and how she became the “Enneatype 4 Aquarius” musician we all know and love.
She’s Takin’ Over
Born on January 24, 1999, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nicole Zefanya developed a passion for music, specifically in writing lyrics, at a young age, influenced by artists like Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, and Boyz II Men. At the age of 15, Niki gained enough courage to start her own YouTube channel under the username nzee24, where she posted cover songs and some early original material. Recording in her bedroom with her trusty guitar and piano, she successfully gained a following, and in time, she became known for her soft voice and raw lyrics that may seem sweet on first listen, but pack a punch and travel deep into the psyche of a teenager from Jakarta. And in 2014, Niki won a contest to become Taylor Swift’s opening act for the Red tour leg in her hometown, where Niki performed her cover of “Stay, Stay, Stay,” which her original fans still love to reminisce to.
Throw 🔙| 9 Years ago today, Nicole Zefanya (@nikizefanya) opened for @TaylorSwift13‘s Red Tour Jakarta. https://t.co/z9tm5LUJF8 pic.twitter.com/7vUsa5N9N4
— NIKI Charts 🐝 (@ChartsNiki) June 4, 2023
Don’t Mistake It, You Can Break Big
Photo from 88Rising
In 2017, Niki’s life changed in a million ways. Saying goodbye to her beloved Indonesia, she pursued a music degree in Nashville, Tennessee, an entirely different and new environment to help her hone her skills. Her biggest claim to fame came when the young artist signed under 88Rising, the American-based record label focused on promoting Asian talents to the international scene. Along with these gains came the closing of her chapter as @nzee24, where she said goodbye to her native sounds and words, at least for now.
Starting off strong with a debut EP titled Zephyr in 2018, she officially introduced herself as “Niki,” delving into R&B paired with introspective lyrics and electronic sound. Songs like “Vintage” became crowd favorites, perfectly introducing her unique sound, and eventually becoming her most streamed song from her debut. “Around” also became memorable, which showed off her lyrical prowess and served as a nod to her YouTube days with its pared down sound.
So Why Not Raise the Stakes?
Photo from 88Rising
In the years following her debut, Niki collaborated with fellow 88Rising artists like Rich Brian and Joji, helping expand her sound and reach. She also released her first album Moonchild in 2020, producing another memorable track list, with songs like “Lose” and “Plot Twist.” Niki then put her name in the global charts with the song “Every Summertime,” which was released as part of the soundtrack for Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, and becoming the hit song in the entire album comprising of her fellow 88Rising talents. Not long after, Coachella announced that the booming artist will perform in the festival for 2022, where she became one of the first Indonesian singers, alongside Rich Brian, to perform on the monumental stage. Aside from performing her own hits at the festival, Niki repped her home country by performing “Sempurna,” a song by prominent Indonesian rock band Andra and the Backbone.
Within the same year, Niki also released her highly anticipated sophomore album “Nicole,” which explored her youth in Jakarta mixed with her newfound perspective and experiences as an international singer. She also debuted her first world tour, headlining in countries like the US, Canada, England, France, China, and her home country of Indonesia, among others.
Suddenly, You’re Older Now
Having completed her world tour by the end of 2023, fans expected the artist to take a long, well-deserved break. To everyone’s surprise, she released a single entitled “24” on January 12 this year, just in time for her 24th birthday. In true Niki form, she used the song to look back at her life and reflect on everything that has happened, baring herself in the lyrics like she’s wont to do.
Niki’s latest single, “Too Much of A Good Thing,” was released on May 3 of this year and is the first known song from her highly-anticipated third studio album, Buzz. This time around, she leans more into a rock and roll sound rounded out with synths, which fans are excited to hear more of once the album goes public on August 9. She’s also slated for her second headlining world tour to promote Buzz, which will cover more than 40 cities, including her very own hometown of Jakarta.
Love, Keep Your Eyes On The Road
Photo from 88Rising
Niki’s story is more than a musical odyssey—it’s a testament to the power of dreams and determination. As she navigates the complexities of fame, Niki remains grounded in her artistry as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring musicians worldwide. With every melody, she paints a canvas of emotions, inviting listeners into a world where dreams soar, no matter the mundanity of one’s experience. And as fans of her work, we always look forward to seeing the full picture she paints for us.
What’s your favorite Niki song? Let us know in the comments below!