Early Life

Oyenike “Nikki” Laoye, born into a creative family in Lagos, Nigeria, discovered her passion early. At five, she joined choirs and dance classes.

She attended Grace Children School in Gbagada, then Federal Government Girls’ College in Sagamu, and later the University of Ibadan. There, she studied Theatre Arts and co-founded the a cappella group Soul Sistas, gaining acclaim with renditions like “Your Love Is Better Than Life.”

Career

Laoye launched her solo career in 2006 with the hit single Never Felt This Way Before, produced by Cobhams Asuquo. The song garnered mainstream airplay and award nominations, including Best Female Vocal Performance at the 2009 Headies and Kora Awards.

Her debut album Angel 4 Life (2008) featured collaborations with Jeremiah Gyang and Rooftop MCs, earning her a spot on MTV Base’s Rockumentary Advance Warning. In 2009, she opened for gospel stars Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, and Donnie McClurkin at The Experience concert.

In 2013, after a brief hiatus following her father’s passing, she returned with powerful singles like 1-2-3, Only You (featuring Seyi Shay), and Onyeuwaoma (featuring Banky W). Her rendition of the Nigerian National Anthem for EbonyLife TV became the anthem’s first official music video. That same year, she won the Headies Award for Best Female Vocal Performance and AFRIMA’s Best Inspirational Music in 2014.

Nikki has also made waves in TV and radio, hosting Silverbird’s New Breeze Show, Praiseworld Radio’s Girls Rock, and the gospel reality series Stars 4 Christ. She has performed at Notting Hill Carnival in London, toured the UK, and shared the stage with Mary J. Blige and Brian McKnight.

Nikki Laoye continues to inspire with her electrifying performances, soulful vocals, and humanitarian efforts. As an artist and advocate, she uplifts audiences and champions change across Africa and beyond.

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