Oyenike Laoye, known professionally as Nikki Laoye, is a Nigerian recording artist, singer, humanitarian, songwriter, dancer and occasional actress, renowned for her musical expressions and stage performances.
25 Facts About Nikki Laoye
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Nikki Laoye enrolled in choirs and dance classes at the age of five.
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In 2005, the girls went their separate ways after graduating from the University with Nikki Laoye pursuing a solo career and Debola and Aboyowa took up regular jobs.
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Nikki Laoye started off her education at Grace Children School, Gbagada, Lagos.
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Nikki Laoye began her career as a solo artist in 2006, with the release of her first single, "Never Felt this Way Before", produced by Nigerian music producer Cobhams Asuquo.
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In 2009, Nikki Laoye performed alongside American international gospel artists Kirk Franklin, Cece Winans and Donnie McClurkin to an audience of 500,000 at The 2009 Experience Concert in Lagos, Nigeria.
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Nikki Laoye played a theatrical role in the Nigerian-Broadway stage play musical, OLURONBI in October 2009 and was one of the five female artists on the 2009 Tetmosol Girl Power Tour, which was a nationwide tour across various states of Nigeria.
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The track's success elevated Nikki Laoye's profile, earning her the position of the 3rd Best Performance at the 2009 Hip Hop World Awards in Nigeria, behind Darey Art Alade and Tuface, who ranked 1st and 2nd respectively among the 10 performances at the event.
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In 2009, Nikki Laoye performed alongside Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin to an audience of 500,000 at The Experience Concert in Lagos.
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Nikki Laoye's music has gained critical acclaim beyond Africa, as she was one of the first three Nigerian artists ever to be interviewed and recognized on American entertainment channel, BET in 2009 and she was one of the preliminary judges for BET's Sunday Best Auditions which held in Lagos, Nigeria in December 2009.
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Nikki Laoye was commissioned to record her own version of the Nigerian National Anthem for Nigerian TV Producer, Mo Abudu's Ebony Life Television in June 2013.
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Since its release in June 2013, Nikki Laoye has been invited to perform the anthem for the Presidency in Aso Rock, Abuja and at other official functions.
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Nikki Laoye was unveiled as one of the hosts for a gospel reality TV competition, Stars 4 Christ.
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Nikki Laoye headlined the 2014 Headies Awards as well as the 10th Anniversary of the Rhythm Unplugged Concert in December 2014.
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On 11 December 2011, Nikki Laoye married Alexander Oturu in Lagos, Nigeria.
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In December 2010, Nikki Laoye founded the "Angel 4 Life Foundation", a non-governmental organization through which she mentors and helps develop the creative skills of talented physically challenged youths and assists in the management of the Music Therapy Clinic of Modupe Cole Home for the Physically and Mentally Challenged, in Lagos, Nigeria.
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On 25 December 2012 and 2013, the foundation hosted Christmas Day Out with Nikki Laoye providing whole-day trips and treats around the city of Lagos for physically challenged youths.
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In 2013, Nikki Laoye was given an honorary 234Giver Award for her advocacy and contribution to the social and educational development of the physically challenged in Nigeria.
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Nikki Laoye's work has earned her numerous award nominations and accolades including the prestigious KORA Awards, HipHop World Awards, Soundcity Music Video Awards, City People Entertainment Awards, NEA Awards, Nigeria Music Video Awards ; Africa Gospel Music Awards, Crystal Gospel Awards, Nigeria Gospel Music Awards, and a special feature on MTVBase Advance Warning Reality TV Show.
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On 26 December 2013, Nikki Laoye was unveiled as the winner of the category of Best Vocal Performance for her soulful ballad "Only You" in a strong field that included singers Waje, Niyola, Seyi Shay and Zaina, at The Headies 2013 Award ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria.
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Nikki Laoye has donated to the cause and performed at several events supporting the cause.
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On May 21,2014, Nikki Laoye received a nomination for Best Gospel Artiste at the 2014 African Muzik Magazine Awards.
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On July 20,2014, Nikki Laoye won the Crystal Award for Best Worship Song for her track "Only You" at the 2014 Crystal Awards in Lagos, Nigeria.
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Nikki Laoye was nominated in the Artiste of the Year and Best Female Vocalist categories at the event.
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Nikki Laoye was nominated for Artiste of the Year at the same ceremony.