Niki

Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as Niki, is an Indonesian singer-songwriter born on January 24, 1999, in Jakarta, Indonesia. ...

Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as Niki, is an Indonesian singer-songwriter born on January 24, 1999, in Jakarta, Indonesia. She is recognized for her alternative pop and R&B sound and is signed to the record label 88rising. Over the years, she has gained global recognition for her songwriting and musicianship, building an international audience while living and working in the United States.

Niki began developing her musical skills at a young age after receiving her first guitar at nine years old. She taught herself how to write and perform music, growing up with influences from 1990s R&B, hip-hop, and pop. As a teenager, she shared original songs and covers on YouTube, gradually attracting attention online. At the age of fifteen, she won a competition that allowed her to open for Taylor Swift’s Red Tour during its Jakarta stop, marking an early milestone in her music journey.

In 2017, she moved from Jakarta to Nashville, Tennessee, to study music at Lipscomb University. During this period, she released her early singles under the name Niki through 88rising, which helped establish her presence in the international music scene. She later contributed several songs to the label’s collaborative album *Head in the Clouds*, further expanding her visibility among global listeners. ([Wikipedia][1])

Her breakthrough grew steadily with the release of singles such as “Lowkey” and her early EP projects. In 2020, she launched her debut full-length album *Moonchild*, a concept-driven record that explored themes of identity, growth, and emotion. The album received critical recognition and positioned her as one of the notable Asian artists of the year. Around the same period, she continued releasing standalone tracks and engaging audiences through livestream performances.

In 2021, Niki released “Every Summertime,” which became a global hit after being featured on the soundtrack of the film *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*. The song played a major role in introducing her music to a wider audience and later achieved gold certification in the United States.

Her second studio album, *Nicole*, arrived in 2022 and marked a more personal and introspective phase in her artistry. The album explored themes of heartbreak, memory, and self-reflection, and was accompanied by international touring that included North America and Asia. Around this time, she also appeared at major global events and festivals, becoming one of the first Indonesian artists to perform at Coachella alongside fellow Indonesian musicians.

Niki continued expanding her career through live performances, collaborations, and media appearances, including a Tiny Desk Concert and international festival stages. In 2024, she released her third studio album *Buzz*, supported by a large-scale world tour spanning multiple continents. Her evolving sound blended emotional storytelling with modern pop and R&B influences, reflecting growth both personally and musically.

Beyond music, she has participated in brand partnerships and charity activities, including fundraising performances connected to Asian American and Pacific Islander community initiatives. Her impact has also been recognized through honors such as being listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia.

Today, Niki is considered one of the most internationally successful Indonesian artists, known for her honest songwriting style and ability to connect deeply with listeners across different cultures. With billions of streams on digital platforms and tours across multiple countries, she continues to shape a global career while representing Indonesian talent on the world stage.