The Rise of Nikena: A Journey from Brooklyn to the World

Embracing Authenticity and Musical Roots

Staying True to One’s Roots

Nikena’s remarkable journey into the music industry is deeply anchored in her rich heritage and genuine passion for music. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, by way of Jamaica, her musical foundation can be traced back to her Caribbean roots. Influential icons like Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, and Buju Banton played a crucial role in shaping her early musical interests. Nikena elaborates:

“I was born in Jamaica, so I was influenced by reggae, and I really love reggae. When I came to the states, I ended up hearing different types of sounds, and so I found myself more intrigued to write and sing even more in different types of songs.”

Her ability to blend Caribbean vibes with contemporary American pop culture is evident in her versatile music style, which is inspired by artists like Aaliyah, Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. This eclectic mix of influences allows her to create a unique sound that resonates with a diverse audience.

Nikena’s Natural Authenticity

Moreover, remaining authentic and grounded is paramount to Nikena’s journey. She emphasizes the necessity of being true to oneself, particularly in an industry often characterized by its pursuit of trends and commercial success. As Nikena expresses:

“You have to be grounded. You have to have some kind of grounding to really make it and to really not be strayed or moved in directions that you don’t want to move or be something that you don’t want to be.”

This sense of authenticity not only shapes her music but also reinforces her connection with her audience, enabling her to stay both personal and relatable.

Navigating the Pandemic: A Time for Reflection and Growth

The Impact of the Global Pandemic

The onset of the global pandemic in 2020 proved to be a transformative period for Nikena, as it did for many artists. With life coming to a standstill, the period served as a moment of introspection, allowing artists like Nikena to delve deeper into their artistry. Reflecting on this time, she notes:

“During that time, I really wanted to get deeper within myself… that was a time where people needed connection. People needed just something more. And I feel like, I just felt like I needed to tap in more to bring out more, to hopefully share more.”

The pandemic’s enforced stillness prompted Nikena to re-evaluate life and purpose, and to connect more meaningfully through her music. It became a period of creative introspection and deeper artistic exploration, which played a pivotal role in shaping her current musical direction.

Creativity Amidst Chaos

The challenges posed by the pandemic further highlighted the resilience required to stay committed to one’s craft. In discussing how she maintained her artistic momentum, Nikena shares:

“I was still pursuing my dream as an artist and writing and having to feel like, oh my God, what’s going on? It’s so chaotic right now. So many people are sick. It was just such a tough time.”

Despite the chaos, she channeled her energy into her music, allowing the adversity to fuel her creativity and resolve. This period of deep reflection and creative output underscores the indomitable human spirit and the capacity to find purpose amid tumult.

The Art and Science of Songwriting

Creative Spaces and Processes

A common thread throughout the conversation is the critical importance of environment in sparking creativity. For Nikena, the serenity and natural beauty of parks provide the ideal setting for her songwriting process. She states:

“I love the park. I love the outdoors. I love trees. So I usually do most of my writing at the park. It helps me to really connect to myself and explore different ideas.”

This connection to nature fosters an atmosphere where creativity can flow freely, allowing her to develop and refine her musical ideas before heading into the studio.

Versatility and Diverse Themes

Nikena’s versatility as a songwriter shines through in her ability to tackle various themes and styles. Her song “Hold Me,” for instance, explores the vibrant and dynamic energy of a nightclub encounter, diverging from her usual love and heartbreak themes. She explains:

“The concept behind the song was really just having a good vibe at the club with someone that you connected with. I wanted to explore different topics of writing. I always, you know, I’m more like, you know, love songs or heartbreak songs, but this time, I wanted to be a little bit more upbeat.”

This willingness to experiment with different themes and styles highlights her adaptability and commitment to evolving as an artist, always seeking to offer fresh and engaging content to her listeners.

Collaborative Efforts and Professionalism

Behind every successful artist is a team of dedicated professionals, and for Nikena, her collaborators play an essential role. Speaking highly of her producers, she acknowledges:

“I do work with another producer. His name is Patrick Warner… I really like their professionalism, and they’ve been creating great work for me.”

Her reliance on trusted producers and engineers ensures that the quality of her music remains consistently high, underscoring the importance of professional collaboration in the creative process.

Reflections and Aspirations

Grounded in her journey, Nikena continually reflects on her experiences and lessons learned. The biggest takeaway from her journey thus far has been staying true to herself:

“In order to be true to your artistry, you have to be first true to yourself.”

As she navigates the intricacies of the music industry, this philosophy remains central to her approach, instilling a sense of authenticity in her work.

Nikena’s story is also about resilience and perseverance. Her advice for overcoming challenges is grounded in hard work and self-investment:

“Be persistent. It doesn’t matter what job you do or how much you make, but put something towards something that’s gonna better you for the future or something that’s your passion.”

Looking ahead, Nikena’s ambitions extend beyond music, with acting becoming an emerging interest. As she continues to explore various avenues, her openness to new possibilities exemplifies the limitless potential of her creative journey.

Drawing upon her diverse influences and staying true to her roots, Nikena’s music resonates with authenticity and connection. Her journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of staying grounded and true to oneself while pursuing one’s dreams.