Biography
NIKI is an Indonesian singer-songwriter born on January 24, 1999, in Jakarta. She began her musical journey at a young age, teaching herself to play guitar and write songs after receiving her first guitar at nine. At 15, she won a contest to open for Taylor Swift’s The Red Tour in Jakarta, marking a significant milestone in her early career. In 2017, NIKI relocated to the United States to study at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, and subsequently signed with the record label 88rising. She has released three studio albums: “Moonchild” (2020), “Nicole” (2022), and “Buzz” (2024). NIKI has performed solo concerts in 17 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America during her Nicole World Tour (2022–2023) and Buzz World Tour (2024–2025), including arena shows in the Philippines, Canada, England, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. Her contributions to music have earned her global recognition, and in 2020, she was listed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia.
Profile
- Name: NIKI
- Birth name: Nicole Zefanya
- Birthday: January 24, 1999
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Height: 158 cm
- Instagram: @nikizefanya
- Twitter: @nikizefanya
Career
NIKI started her music career by uploading original songs and covers on YouTube during her teenage years. Her early exposure to music was heavily influenced by her mother, who introduced her to R&B, gospel, and pop artists. She gained wider recognition in 2014 when she won a competition organized by Taylor Swift, earning the opportunity to open for Swift’s The Red Tour in Jakarta. This milestone encouraged her to pursue music professionally.
In 2017, NIKI moved to the United States to study at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. That same year, she signed with 88rising, a music label focused on promoting Asian artists in the global market. Her debut single, See U Never, was released in 2017, followed by I Like U in 2018, both of which showcased her smooth R&B sound. Her debut EP, Zephyr (2018), further established her as an emerging talent with a signature blend of R&B, pop, and soul.
As her career progressed, NIKI experimented with different musical styles. In 2020, she released her debut full-length album, Moonchild, which featured a more conceptual and experimental approach. The album followed a three-part narrative arc, exploring themes of self-discovery, transformation, and empowerment. Songs like Lose and Switchblade demonstrated her evolving artistry and storytelling ability.
NIKI continued to expand her musical reach with her second studio album, Nicole (2022). Unlike Moonchild, this album took a more intimate and personal approach, revisiting her earlier songwriting roots with stripped-down, acoustic-driven tracks. The album included reworked versions of songs she had written as a teenager, such as High School in Jakarta and Oceans & Engines, which resonated with listeners for their nostalgic and heartfelt lyrics.
Beyond her studio work, NIKI has become a prominent figure in the global music scene. She has performed at major music festivals like Coachella and Head in the Clouds and toured alongside fellow 88rising artists such as Joji and Rich Brian. Her performances are praised for their emotional depth and vocal strength, solidifying her as one of the most influential Asian artists in contemporary pop and R&B.
As she continues to grow as an artist, NIKI remains dedicated to telling authentic stories through her music, bridging cultures and reaching audiences worldwide with her unique sound.
Personal Life
Early Life
NIKI grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia. From a young age, she displayed a deep passion for music and began teaching herself how to play instruments and write songs. Her musical journey started when she received her first guitar at the age of nine, which sparked her interest in songwriting and performance. She later attended Pelita Harapan School in Jakarta, where she continued to nurture her love for music.
At the age of 15, NIKI gained widespread recognition when she won a competition that gave her the opportunity to be the opening act for Taylor Swift’s The Red Tour in Jakarta. This experience marked a turning point in her career, inspiring her to pursue music more seriously. Around the same time, she launched her own YouTube channel, where she regularly uploaded original compositions and cover songs. Her videos, often filmed in her bedroom and featuring her performing with an acoustic guitar, allowed her to connect with a growing audience and showcase her talent to the world. Through these early experiences, NIKI began to develop her unique sound, blending R&B, pop, and soulful melodies that would later define her career.
At 18, she relocated to Nashville to attend Lipscomb University, but after completing two semesters, she left to join 88rising, a renowned music label that champions Asian artists.
Inspiring a Generation
What sets NIKI apart is her fearless experimentation with genre, seamlessly blending elements of R&B, pop, neo-soul, and electro-pop. Her debut album Zephyr (2018) showcased old-school R&B influences, while MOONCHILD (2020) explored alternative R&B and electronic sounds. Through her self-composed tracks, she crafts deeply personal narratives that allow listeners to connect and reflect on their own experiences. Whether capturing the pain of heartbreak or life’s transformative moments, her storytelling remains a defining aspect of her artistry.
In 2022, NIKI made history as the first Indonesian female artist to perform at Coachella, delivering an electrifying set featuring hits like Every Summertime, La La Lost You, and Indigo. In a heartfelt tribute to her roots, she also performed “Sempurna,” a classic song by Andra and The Backbone, dedicating it to her family and hometown, Jakarta. Beyond Coachella, she has captivated audiences at Head in the Clouds, Lollapalooza, NPR’s Tiny Desk, and her sold-out world tour, solidifying her presence on the global stage.
Undoubtedly, NIKI has paved the way for a new generation of Asian artists, using her platform to share stories of identity, culture, and the Asian diaspora. As she continues to celebrate her heritage through music and visual storytelling, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams unapologetically.
Net Worth
As of 2023, her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through various channels, including her music career, live performances, merchandise sales, and a strong online presence. Her involvement with the 88rising collective has further elevated her profile, leading to successful tours and collaborations that have contributed to her financial success.
Facts
- NIKI is self-taught guitarist. She taught herself how to play the guitar at nine years old.
- In an interview with Vogue Singapore, she shared that her comfort food is pisang goreng–a snack made of bananas deep fried and coated in batter, and Indomie–a popular brand of instant noodles.
- NIKI considers herself an introvert and struggles with the attention that comes with being a performer. However, her love of performing always wins out.
- She named Malaysian singer Yuna, Filipino-English singer beabadoobee, and Singaporean singer Sam Rui as Asian musicians she looks up to.
- NIKI re-produced and re-recorded old songs which has previously shared on her archived YouTube channel to crate her sophomore album “Nicole.”
- Reimagining her old songs was partly inspired by Taylor Swift’s re-recorded albums, as well as a way to pay tribute to her younger self.
