Nikki Laoye

[3][4] She is also well known for the 2006 hit song Never felt this Way before, the 2013 dance single "1-2-3", the soulful ballad "Only You", which she remixed in 2016 featuring Seyi Shay and the love song Onyeuwaoma featuring Banky W.[5] Her musical style is an urban contemporary sound with the fusion of alternative rock, R&B, hip hop, pop, soul, funk, jazz and Gospel.

In 1998, Laoye joined the youth band of Ikoyi Baptist Church and was introduced formally to contemporary gospel by friend and music director, Reginald Bassey and served as a soloist/lead vocalist for a couple of years.

In 2005, the girls went their separate ways after graduating from the University with Laoye pursuing a solo career and Debola and Aboyowa took up regular jobs.

Laoye's musical talent was further enhanced during her high school years at Federal Government Girl's College, Sagamu (from where she graduated in 1998) and at the University of Ibadan respectively as she performed with the school choirs and joined up with music and dance groups including Exousia, Soul Alliance and the girl group trio, Soul Sistas.

The release of her HipHop collaboration single, "Taka Sufe" featuring Rooftop Mcs and Rap2Sai further endeared her to Nigerian youths and provided a platform of expression for her brother, Xblaze who produced the track.

[citation needed] In 2008, Laoye followed up with the release of her debut album Angel 4 Life— a collection of contemporary sounds and a lineup of top Nigerian artists including Rooftop Mcs, Blaise, Jeremiah Gyang and many more.

The singer gained notoriety as her singles gradually rose to the number one spot on the Nigerian Chart Show for weeks, and she was a main feature on the MTV Base Rockumentary show- Advance Warning.

In 2009, Laoye performed[11] 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.

][failed verification] The release of the single "Never Felt This Way Before" brought a fresh urban Christian contemporary sound to the Nigerian music industry.

][citation needed] In 2009, Laoye performed alongside Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin to an audience of 500,000[15] at The Experience Concert in Lagos.

In September 2013, Laoye performed alongside R&B legend Mary J. Blige at the "Sisters with Soul" concert in Lagos, Nigeria.

[30] In January 2016, Laoye headlined the Butterscotch Evenings event, alongside American R&B Superstar Brian Mcknight at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria.

[33] In December 2010, Laoye founded the "Angel 4 Life Foundation",[34] a non-governmental organization through which she mentors and helps develop the creative skills of talented physically challenged youths and also assists in the management of the Music Therapy Clinic of Modupe Cole Home for the Physically and Mentally Challenged, in Lagos, Nigeria.

[35][36] In October 2012, Laoye's Angel 4 Life Foundation, in conjunction with the Nigeria Association of the Blind (Lagos Chapter, Nigeria) celebrated the 2012 International White Cane Day, the event consisted of a Sing for the Blind unplugged fundraising gig on the hallways of The Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki with support from celebrities such as Sammie Okposo, Funke Kuti, Tiwa Savage, Dipp, Lamboginny and Kiki Omeili a White Cane Awareness Walk and a Lunch Reception to celebrate the achievements and independence of all visually impaired citizens of Lagos State.

[38] On 25 December 2012 and 2013, the foundation hosted Christmas Day Out with Laoye providing whole-day trips and treats around the city of Lagos for physically challenged youths.

[citation needed] In 2013, Laoye was given an honorary 234Giver Award for her advocacy and contribution to the social and educational development of the physically challenged in Nigeria.

[citation needed] On 26 December 2013, Laoye was unveiled as the winner of the category of Best Vocal Performance (Female) 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.

As part of her role as a celebrity voice, she has appeared at various events organized by the commission to enlighten the general public about the travails of refugees and internally displaced persons.