NIKKI LAOYE’S BIOGRAPHY – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NIKKI LAOYE

NIKKI LAOYE’S BIOGRAPHY – MUSIC CAREER, AND NOTABLE AWARDS.

Nikki’s artistic journey began with her participation in the church choir, a fitting place for a talent destined to uplift hearts and spirits through the power of song. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in faith, and this unwavering foundation has become the bedrock of her musical and personal identity.
In the pages of her biography, we will embark on a captivating journey through the life of Nikki Laoye. We’ll delve into her early years, her emergence onto the Nigerian music scene, and her transformation into one of the country’s most beloved and influential artists. We will witness her rise to prominence, her ability to effortlessly bridge various music genres, and her dedication to using her voice as a vehicle for social change.
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Nikki Laoye Live Ministeration — Nikki Laoye Ministering

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Nikki Laoye’s Early Life and Background

Laoye was born in Lagos, Nigeria on the 19th of December 1980, as the only daughter of Prince Olushola Isaac Laoye and Olori Christiana Yetunde Laoye. Laoye’s heritage is diverse, with her father, Olushola, having European (Dutch), Ghanaian, and Nigerian roots. She also has three brothers: Femi, Bola, and Ade, who is known as Xblaze, an up-and-coming music producer and hip-hop artist in Lagos, Nigeria. Laoye’s passion for music and performance began early in life, as she started taking choir and dance classes at the age of five.

In 1998, Laoye became a member of the youth band at Ikoyi Baptist Church, where she was introduced to contemporary gospel music by her friend and music director, Reginald Bassey. She served as a soloist and lead vocalist for several years. Later, Laoye also joined House on the Rock Church, where she continued to be a lead vocalist for choirs in both Ibadan and Lagos for more than a decade.

In the year 2000, an encounter at the University of Ibadan’s St. Anne’s Hall led to the formation of the female group Soul Sistas. This group consisted of Laoye, Debola Kester, and Aboyowa Tene. The three women first met during an evening of music, fun, and games in their dorm room, and they immediately connected musically. They began performing together for the sheer joy of it, eventually adopting the name “Soul Sistas” after receiving praise from Pastor Dele Osunmakinde during a campus fellowship. He cheerfully remarked that “these ladies sing to your soul.” In 2003, Funmi Ojo briefly joined the group, but they returned to being a trio within the same year.

For five years, Soul Sistas stood out as the University’s only female a cappella group, gaining recognition for their soulful harmonies and their rendition of the classic a cappella song “Your Love is Better than Life.” In 2005, the members went their separate ways after graduating from the University. Laoye embarked on a solo music career, while Debola and Aboyowa pursued regular jobs. In 2007, the trio reunited to record a remix of their hit song, “Baba L’oke,” for Laoye’s debut album, “Angel 4 Life.” In 2010, Debola participated in the Nigerian music reality show, Project Fame Season 3, making it to the final 10 contestants alongside Ochuko, Yetunde Omo’badan, and Chidinma Ekile, who went on to win the competition.

Laoye, comes from a musical heritage deeply rooted in the legacy of the talking drum legend, the late Oba Adetoyese Laoye, who hailed from Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. Often affectionately referred to as “the small one with the big voice,” Laoye catapulted to stardom in 2006 with her chart-topping single, “Never Felt This Way Before,” which was part of her debut studio album, “Angel 4 Life” (2008). This album also showcased other memorable tracks, including a hip-hop collaboration with Rooftop Mcs and her brother, Rap2Sai, titled “Taka Sufe,” as well as the soulful love ballad “Someone to Love,” featuring R&B sensation Jeremiah Gyang, among other hits.

Nikki Laoye’s Musical Career

Nikki Laoye embarked on her solo music career in 2006, marked by the release of her debut single, “Never Felt This Way Before.” This song, produced by Nigerian music producer Cobhams, quickly gained popularity on mainstream radio stations across Nigeria, establishing Laoye as one of the few contemporary Christian artists in the country with mainstream appeal.

Her musical journey continued with the release of the hip-hop collaboration “Taka Sufe,” featuring Rooftop Mcs and Rap2Sai. This collaboration not only endeared her to Nigerian youths but also provided a platform for her brother, Xblaze, who produced the track. Xblaze Ade Laoye contributed significantly to her debut album and her 2013 dance single, “1-2-3.” He was also a principal producer for the West African Edition of X-Factor, held in Lagos, Nigeria.

Nikki Laoye’s music made a significant impact in Nigeria and beyond. Her debut album, “Angel 4 Life,” released in 2008, featured a range of contemporary sounds and collaborations with top Nigerian artists, including Rooftop Mcs, Blaise, Jeremiah Gyang, and more. Her singles from this album consistently topped the Nigerian Chart Show and earned her recognition on the MTV Base Rockumentary show, “Advance Warning.”

In 2009, Laoye had the privilege of performing alongside American international gospel artists Kirk Franklin, Cece Winans, and Donnie McClurkin at The 2009 Experience Concert in Lagos, Nigeria. She also played a theatrical role in the Nigerian-Broadway stage musical “OLURONBI” in October 2009 and was one of the five female artists on the 2009 Tetmosol Girl Power Tour, a nationwide tour across various states in Nigeria.

Her breakout single, “Never Felt This Way Before,” received numerous accolades and nominations, including recognition at the 2009 Hip Hop World Awards, Kora Awards, City People Entertainment Awards, Nigerian Entertainment Awards in the US, and SoundCity Music Video Awards.

In 2011, BET, an American entertainment channel, showcased Nikki Laoye’s life and career in a special feature segment titled “BET Spotlight – Nikki Laoye.” Following a hiatus after the loss of her father in 2011, she made a comeback in the music scene in 2013.

Notably, Laoye recorded her version of the Nigerian National Anthem for Ebony Life Television in June 2013, which became the first official music video for the Nigerian Anthem. She performed the anthem for the Presidency in Aso Rock, Abuja, and at various official functions.

In 2013, she released several singles, including “No Be Beans” with Yoruba Hip-Hop artist Base One, the dance track “1-2-3,” and the emotionally charged ballad “Only You,” dedicated to the memory of her late father. This song earned her the Best Vocal Performance (Female) award at the 2013 Headies Awards in Lagos, Nigeria.

Nikki Laoye is not only a renowned singer but also known for lending her voice to radio jingles, performing film soundtracks for Nollywood productions, and working as an on-air personality on television and radio.

Her international presence was highlighted when she headlined the Nigerian Corner at the Notting Hill Carnival in the United Kingdom in August 2013 and toured various cities in England. She also performed alongside R&B legend Mary J. Blige at the “Sisters with Soul” concert in Lagos, Nigeria, in September 2013.

In 2014, Laoye headlined the 2014 Headies Awards and the 10th Anniversary of the Rhythm Unplugged Concert in December 2014. She continued to make waves in the music scene by headlining the Butterscotch Evenings event in Lagos, Nigeria, alongside American R&B superstar Brian McKnight in January 2016.

A noteworthy collaboration with Nigerian R&B singer Banky W, titled “Onyeuwaoma,” was released just before Valentine’s Day in 2016. This love duet received positive reviews, and the official video was unveiled in April 2016.

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Breakthrough Moments;

Nikki Laoye has had several breakthrough moments in her music career that have contributed to her success and recognition in the Nigerian and international music scene. Some of her significant breakthrough moments include:

Debut Single “Never Felt This Way Before” (2006): Nikki Laoye’s journey as a solo artist began with the release of her debut single, “Never Felt This Way Before” in 2006. The song’s widespread airplay on mainstream radio stations in Nigeria marked her entry into the music industry.
“Angel 4 Life” Album (2008): The release of her debut album, “Angel 4 Life,” in 2008 was a significant breakthrough in her career. The album featured a collection of contemporary sounds and collaborations with well-known Nigerian artists, gaining her recognition in the music industry.
Performance at The 2009 Experience Concert: In 2009, Nikki Laoye had the opportunity to perform alongside renowned American gospel artists such as Kirk Franklin, Cece Winans, and Donnie McClurkin at The Experience Concert in Lagos, Nigeria. This performance helped solidify her status as a respected gospel artist.
Recognition on MTV Base Rockumentary Show: Her singles from the “Angel 4 Life” album consistently topped the Nigerian Chart Show, and she was featured on the MTV Base Rockumentary show, “Advance Warning,” which further increased her visibility.
Nigerian National Anthem Recording (2013): In 2013, Nikki Laoye recorded her version of the Nigerian National Anthem for Ebony Life Television, creating the first official music video for the Nigerian Anthem. This brought her recognition and opportunities to perform the anthem at official functions.
Headlining Major Events: Nikki Laoye headlined various major events, including the 2014 Headies Awards and the 10th Anniversary of the Rhythm Unplugged Concert in December 2014. These performances showcased her as a prominent figure in the Nigerian music scene.
Collaboration with Banky W (2016): Her collaboration with Nigerian R&B singer Banky W on the love duet “Onyeuwaoma” in 2016 received rave reviews and further expanded her fan base.
International Presence: Nikki Laoye’s international presence was established through her headlining performance at the Nigerian Corner at the Notting Hill Carnival in the United Kingdom in 2013. She also toured cities in England and performed alongside R&B legend Mary J. Blige at the “Sisters with Soul” concert in Lagos, Nigeria.
Television and Radio Work: Beyond her music career, Nikki Laoye has made a mark as an on-air personality on television and radio. She hosted the TV show “New Breeze Show” on Silverbird Entertainment Television and hosted her radio show, “Girls Rock with Nikki Laoye,” on Nigerian internet gospel radio station Praiseworld Radio. She also served as one of the hosts for the gospel reality TV competition, Stars 4 Christ.

These breakthrough moments in Nikki Laoye’s career have contributed to her success as a respected gospel artist, performer, and media personality, both in Nigeria and internationally.

Nikki Laoye’s Discography and Hit Songs

Nikki Laoye has released several albums and singles throughout her music career. Here is a list of her discography and some of her notable hit songs:

Albums:

Angel 4 Life (2008): Nikki Laoye’s debut album, “Angel 4 Life,” introduced her to the music scene and included a collection of contemporary gospel and inspirational tracks. Notable songs from this album include:

“Never Felt This Way Before”

The 123 Project (2013): This album marked her comeback after a hiatus following the loss of her father. It included a variety of songs showcasing her versatility as an artist. Notable songs from this album include: “No Be Beans” (featuring Base One) “1-2-3”, “Only You”

Hit Songs:

“Never Felt This Way Before” (2006): Laoye’s debut single, “Never Felt This Way Before,” was a breakthrough hit and introduced her as a talented solo artist.
“Only You” (2013): This emotionally charged ballad dedicated to the memory of her late father won Laoye the Best Vocal Performance (Female) award at the 2013 Headies Awards.
“No Be Beans” (2013): This song, featuring Yoruba Hip-Hop artist Base One, showcased Nikki Laoye’s ability to collaborate across different musical genres.
“1-2-3” (2013): “1-2-3” is a dance track from her “The 123 Project” album, demonstrating her versatility and her ability to create diverse music.
“Onyeuwaoma” (2016): This love duet with Nigerian R&B singer Banky W received positive reviews and was released just before Valentine’s Day.

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While these are some of Nikki Laoye’s notable hit songs, her music career includes a broader catalog of inspirational and gospel tracks that have made a significant impact on her audience and the Nigerian music scene.

Nikki Laoye Awards and Achievements

Nikki Laoye has received several awards and achieved significant recognition for her contributions to the Nigerian music industry and her work as a gospel artist. Some of her notable awards and achievements include:

Best Vocal Performance (Female) at the Headies Awards (2013): Nikki Laoye won this award for her emotionally charged ballad “Only You” from her album “The 123 Project.”
Recognition on American Entertainment Channel BET (2009): She was one of the first three Nigerian artists ever to be interviewed and recognized on the American entertainment channel BET in 2009.
Performance at The Experience Concert (2009): Laoye had the privilege of performing alongside renowned American gospel artists Kirk Franklin, Cece Winans, and Donnie McClurkin at The Experience Concert in Lagos, Nigeria, in front of an audience of 500,000.
Kora Awards: Nikki Laoye’s hit song “Never Felt This Way Before” received nominations and recognition at the Kora Awards.
City People Entertainment Awards: She was recognized as “Musician of the Year (Female)” at the City People Entertainment Awards.
Nigerian Entertainment Awards (US): Nikki Laoye received the “Gospel Artist of the Year” award at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in the United States.
SoundCity Music Video Awards: Her song “Never Felt This Way Before” was nominated for “Best Female Video” at the SoundCity Music Video Awards.
Recorded Nigerian National Anthem Video (2013): Nikki Laoye recorded her own version of the Nigerian National Anthem for Ebony Life Television in June 2013, creating the first official music video for the Nigerian Anthem.
Television and Radio Work: In addition to her music career, Nikki Laoye has made a mark as an on-air personality on television and radio, hosting her own radio show, “Girls Rock with Nikki Laoye,” on Nigerian internet gospel radio station Praiseworld Radio.
Headlining Major Events: She headlined various major events, including the 2014 Headies Awards and the 10th Anniversary of the Rhythm Unplugged Concert in December 2014.
International Performances: Nikki Laoye’s international presence was established with her performance at the Nigerian Corner at the Notting Hill Carnival in the United Kingdom in 2013. She also toured cities in England and performed alongside R&B legend Mary J. Blige at the “Sisters with Soul” concert in Lagos, Nigeria.
Butterscotch Evenings Event (2016): She headlined the Butterscotch Evenings event in Lagos, Nigeria, alongside American R&B superstar Brian McKnight.

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Personal life

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Nikki Laoye is a Nigerian gospel artist known for her music career and philanthropic efforts. While personal details may have evolved or changed since then, I can provide some insights into her personal life based on information available up to that point:

1. Family: Nikki Laoye hails from a musical family, with her late father being the well-known talking drum legend, Oba Adetoyese Laoye, from Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. She has also collaborated with her brother, Xblaze, who is a music producer and hip-hop artist.

2. Education: Nikki Laoye attended Lagos State University, where she studied Chemical and Polymer Engineering. Her educational background reflects her dedication to both academics and music.

3. Philanthropy: Beyond her music career, Nikki Laoye is involved in philanthropic efforts. She has been passionate about supporting underprivileged children and communities in Nigeria. Her work in this area reflects her commitment to social causes and making a positive impact on society.

Please note that personal information can change over time, and new developments may have occurred in Nikki Laoye’s life since my last update. For the most current and detailed information about her personal life, I recommend checking her official social media profiles, interviews, or other reliable sources.

Impact on the Gospel Music Industry

Nikki Laoye has made a significant impact on the gospel music industry, both in Nigeria and beyond. Her influence and contributions to the genre can be seen in various aspects:

Inspirational Music: Nikki Laoye’s music is deeply inspirational and carries messages of faith, hope, and love. Her songs have resonated with audiences, offering encouragement and a positive message in a world where gospel music plays a vital role in uplifting spirits.
Versatility: Laoye’s versatility as an artist sets her apart. She has seamlessly blended contemporary gospel with other musical styles, such as hip-hop and R&B, appealing to a broader audience. Her diverse approach has helped expand the horizons of gospel music.
Mainstream Appeal: Laoye’s music has achieved mainstream appeal. Her debut single, “Never Felt This Way Before,” received widespread airplay on mainstream radio stations in Nigeria, making her one of the few contemporary Christian artists to gain such recognition. Her ability to cross over into mainstream media demonstrates her impact on a wider audience.
International Recognition: Nikki Laoye’s international recognition is noteworthy. She was interviewed and featured on American entertainment channel BET in 2009, showcasing her music to a global audience. Her performances at international events and collaborations with artists from around the world have contributed to her global impact.
Award-Winning Career: Laoye’s impressive collection of awards and nominations attests to her impact in the industry. Her awards include Best Vocal Performance (Female) at the Headies Awards and recognition at the Kora Awards, City People Entertainment Awards, Nigerian Entertainment Awards (US), and SoundCity Music Video Awards, among others.
Social Impact: Beyond her music, Nikki Laoye’s philanthropic efforts and advocacy for underprivileged children and communities in Nigeria have made a positive impact on society. Her commitment to social causes reflects the role that gospel artists often play as advocates for positive change.
Live Performances: Laoye’s energetic and anointed live performances have left a lasting impact on her audience. Her participation in major gospel events and concerts has contributed to the growth and popularity of gospel music in Nigeria.
Recognition as a Role Model: Nikki Laoye’s success in the gospel music industry has positioned her as a role model for aspiring gospel artists, especially women. Her career trajectory demonstrates that women can thrive in gospel music and make a substantial impact.

Philanthropy

In December 2010, Nikki Laoye established the “Angel 4 Life Foundation,” a non-governmental organization with a mission to mentor and nurture the creative talents of physically challenged youths. Additionally, the foundation is involved in the management and support of the Music Therapy Clinic at the Modupe Cole Home for the Physically and Mentally Challenged in Lagos, Nigeria.

In October 2012, Nikki Laoye’s Angel 4 Life Foundation collaborated with the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Lagos Chapter, to commemorate the International White Cane Day. The event featured a “Sing for the Blind Unplugged” fundraising concert at The Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki. Notable celebrities such as Sammie Okposo, Funke Kuti, Tiwa Savage, Dipp, Lamboginny, and Kiki Omeili lent their support. The day included a White Cane Awareness Walk and a lunch reception to honor the achievements and independence of visually impaired citizens in Lagos State.

On Christmas Day in both 2012 and 2013, the foundation organized the “Christmas Day Out,” during which Nikki Laoye provided day-long excursions and treats for physically challenged youths around the city of Lagos. The Angel 4 Life Foundation also manages “The Art in Me” project, an empowerment initiative aimed at nurturing the creative abilities of physically challenged youths. With the assistance of Guaranty Trust Bank Training School, the foundation facilitated the establishment of a fully functional music recording studio for a physically challenged producer, Akeem, at the Modupe Cole Home in Yaba, Lagos.

In 2013, Nikki Laoye received an honorary 234Giver Award in recognition of her dedicated advocacy and substantial contributions to the social and educational development of physically challenged individuals in Nigeria. This accolade was presented by 234Give, Nigeria’s first online fundraising platform, committed to empowering individuals and organizations to raise funds for causes that enhance and uplift their communities.