Nikki Laoye

Nikki Laoye

Nikki Laoye
Background information
Birth name Oyenike Laoye
Born 19 December 1980
Lagos, Nigeria
Genres Urban contemporary, alternative rock, R&B, pop, hip hop, soul, Gospel
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, radio/TV personality, actress, and humanitarian
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2005–present
Labels Wahala Media Entertainment
Website reverbnation.com/nikkilaoye

Oyenike Laoye-Oturu, professionally known as Nikki Laoye, is a Nigerian recording artist, singer, songwriter and dancer, renowned for her eclectic musical expressions and captivating stage performances.[1] Her passion for humanitarian activities attracted the attention of the Nigerian National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), who unveiled her as the celebrity 'Voice of Refugees' in Southwest Nigeria in 2013.[2]

Her musical style is an urban contemporary sound with the fusion of alternative rock, R&B, hip hop, pop, soul, funk, jazz and Gospel.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria and hailing from the musical lineage of the talking drum legend - Late Oba Adetoyese Laoye (from Ede, Osun State-Nigeria),[3] The singer, fondly called, the small one with the big voice, rose to fame in 2006 with the hit single, "Never Felt This Way Before" from her debut studio album, Angel 4 Life (2008),[4] which also featured other notable singles, including the Hip-Hop collaboration with Rooftop Mcs and her brother, Rap2Sai - "Taka Sufe"; the love ballad "Someone to Love" with R&B crooner Jeremiah Gyang[5] amongst others.

The release of the single "Never Felt This Way Before" brought a fresh urban Christian contemporary sound to the Nigerian music industry. This seven-time award nominated song, (2009 Hip Hop World Awards- Best Vocal Performance (Female) and HipHop World Revelation (Best New Artist);[6] KORA Awards-Best Spiritual Artist and Best Arrangement; 2009 City People Entertainment Awards-Musician of the Year (Female); the 2009 Nigerian Entertainment Awards in the US -Gospel Artist of the Year[7] & 2009 SoundCity Music Video Awards-Best Female Video), received major accolades and gave Laoye the rating as the 3rd Best Performance at the 2009 HipHop World Awards in Nigeria (Darey Art Alade and Tuface coming 1st and 2nd respectively, out of the 10 performances at the awards).

Laoye was the only female contender alongside top male Nigerian Artists - M.I, Banky W and Naeto C for the HipHop World Revelation (Best New Artist) category of the 2009 HipHop World Awards.[6]

In 2009, Laoye performed alongside Kirk Franklin, Cece Winans, Donnie McClurkin to an audience of 500,000[8] at The Experience Concert in Lagos.[9]

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[10] and she was one of the preliminary judges for BET's Sunday Best Auditions which held in Lagos, Nigeria in December 2009. In 2011, Laoye's life and career were showcased in a special feature segment on BET, tagged "BET Spotlight – Nikki Laoye".[9]

In 2013, the singer made a comeback into the music scene after being on a hiatus following the loss of her father in 2011.[11][12]

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. The video is renowned as the first official music video for the Nigerian Anthem. Since its release in June 2013, Laoye has been invited to perform the anthem for the Presidency[13] in Aso Rock, Abuja and at other official functions. As at 2013, she released the singles "No Be Beans" with Yoruba Hip Hop artist Base One; the dance single "1,2,3"; and the ballad "Only You", a song dedicated to the memory of her late father,[11] for which she won an award for the Best Vocal Performance (Female) at the 2013 Headies Awards in Lagos, Nigeria.[14]

Early life

Nikki Laoye on the set of the Nigerian National Anthem Video in 2013

Laoye was born in Lagos, Nigeria; the only daughter to Prince Olushola Isaac Laoye & Olori Christiana Yetunde Laoye. With her long natural hair, Laoye bears traces of a mixed heritage as her father, Olushola is of European (Dutch), Ghanaian and Nigerian ancestry. She is sister to three brothers:[15] Femi, Bola and Ade, who is also known as Xblaze, a budding young music producer/Hip Hop artist[16] in Lagos, Nigeria.

Enrolled in choirs and dance classes at the age of five, Laoye started off her education at Grace Children School,[15] Gbagada, Lagos. Soon enough, she was singled out by her music teacher, who noticed her music abilities at such a tender age and personally offered her free piano lessons at the end of each school day. Laoye's musical talent was further enhanced during her high school years at Federal Government Girl's College, Sagamu[15] (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.[17]

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. (Laoye later joined House on the Rock Church and was a lead vocalist for the choirs in Ibadan and Lagos for over 10 years.[18])

In 2000, a chance meeting along the hallways of St. Anne's hall, a private female hostel, at the University of Ibadan brought about the creation of the female girl group, Soul Sistas, composed of Laoye, Debola Kester and Aboyowa Tene.[19] The girls met during an evening of music, fun and games in their dorm room and struck a chord literally. They started performing together, simply for the love of it and finally took up the name "Soul Sistas" after singing at a campus fellowship and the Pastor, Dele Osunmakinde (now Pastor of The Baptizing Church, Lagos) remarked cheerfully "these ladies sing to your soul". In 2003, The girls were joined briefly by another female singer, Funmi Ojo, but returned to a trio within the same year.

Together for five years, Soul Sistas were the only female a cappella group at the University and were renowned for their soulful harmonies including their rendition of the classic a cappella song "Your Love is Better than Life". 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. In 2007, the trio returned to record a remix for their hit,[18] "Baba L'oke" for Laoye's debut album, Angel 4 Life. In 2010, Debola contested in the Nigerian music reality show, Project Fame Season 3[20] and was one of the final 10 contestants alongside Ochuko, Yetunde Omo'badan, Chidinma Ekile (winner).

Career

Laoye performing at the Sisters with Soul Concert, Lagos featuring Mary J Blige in 2013

Laoye began her career as a solo artist in 2006, with the release of her first single, "Never Felt this way Before",[17] produced by Nigerian music producer Cobhams. The single enjoyed airplay on mainstream radio stations in Nigeria and gained wide acceptance across the country, thus making Laoye one of the few contemporary Christian artists in the Nigerian music industry with mainstream appeal. 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. (Xblaze Ade Laoye produced most of the songs on Laoye's debut album as well as her 2013 dance single, "123". He was a principal producer for the West African Edition of X-Factor, held in Lagos, Nigeria).

Nikki Laoye with Cece Winans at the Experience 2009 press conference in Lagos, Nigeria

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 soon 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[21] 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. Laoye also played a theatrical role in the Nigerian-Broadway stage play musical, OLURONBI in October 2009[22] and was one of the five female artists[23] on the 2009 Tetmosol Girl Power Tour, which was a nationwide tour across various states of Nigeria.

Laoye and Kirk Franklin performing together at the Experience Concert in December 2009 in Lagos, Nigeria

Laoye also lends her vocal signature on radio jingles some of which include Etisalat's "0809aija 4 Life", which featured R&B singer Banky W, MTN's "Everywhere You Go" jingle and Fidelity Bank's "No Greater Feeling". The singer has performed film soundtracks for major Nollywood productions such as Bent Arrows,[24] Where the Heart Lies,[25] Mission 2 Nowhere[25] and the ensemble film Journey to Self[26]

Laoye is also an on-air personality on television and radio. In 2005 she hosted the TV Show New Breeze Show on Silverbird Entertainment Television and as of 2013, she hosts her own radio show, Girls Rock with Nikki Laoye[27] on Nigerian internet gospel radio station Praiseworld Radio. She was also unveiled as one of the hosts for a gospel reality TV competition, Stars 4 Christ.[28]

In August 2013, Laoye headlined the Nigerian Corner at the Nottinghill Carnival[29] in the United Kingdom, an event which attracts thousands of Nigerians living across the United Kingdom. In the same year, Laoye went on a church tour of England,[30] which took her to London, Manchester, Loughton and Warrington. In September 2013, Laoye performed alongside R&B legend Mary J. Blige[31] at the "Sisters with Soul" concert in Lagos, Nigeria.

Laoye headlined the 2014 Headies Awards as well as the 10th Anniversary of the Rhythm Unplugged Concert[32] in December 2014.

Philanthropy

In December 2010, Laoye founded the "Angel 4 Life Foundation",[33] a non-governmental organization through which she mentors and helps develop the creative skills of talented physically challenged youths[34] and also assists in the management of the Music Therapy Clinic of Modupe Cole Home for the Physically and Mentally Challenged, in Lagos, Nigeria.[3]

L-R Funke Kuti, Sammie Okposo, A visually-impaired participant, MC Abbey and Laoye at the 2012 International White Cane Day walk in Lagos, Nigeria

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 fund raising 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.[35]

On 25 December 2012 and 2013, the foundation hosted Christmas Day Out with Laoye providing a whole day trips and treats around the city of Lagos for physically challenged youths. The foundation also handles the The Art in Me project, an empowerment initiative for creative physically challenged youths. With the help of a Guaranty Trust Bank Training school set, Angel 4 Life helped to build a fully functional music recording studio for physically challenged producer, Akeem at Modupe Cole Home, Yaba, Lagos.

Laoye receiving the 234Giver Award for her philanthropic work in Lagos, Nigeria

In 2013, Laoye was given an honorary 234Giver Award[18] for her advocacy and contribution to the social and educational development of the physically challenged in Nigeria. The award was presented by 234Give, Nigeria's first online fundraising platform - a company dedicated to empowering individuals and companies to raise funds for causes that improve and uplift their communities.

Personal life

On 11 December 2011, Laoye married Alexander Oturu in Lagos, Nigeria.[36]

Recognition and Awards

Laoye performing at the 2009 Hip Hop World Awards in Abuja, Nigeria

Laoye's work has earned her numerous award nominations and accolades including the prestigious KORA Awards, HipHop World Awards[6] (now Headies),Soundcity Music Video Awards,[37] City People Entertainment Awards, NEA Awards(US),[7] Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA); Africa Gospel Music Awards(UK), Crystal Gospel Awards, Nigeria Gospel Music Awards(NGMA), and a special feature on MTVBase Advance Warning Reality TV Show.[38] She was announced as one of the brand ambassadors for popular wrist watch brand, Ice Watch, in Nigeria.

On 26 December 2013, Laoye was unveiled as the winner of the category for the 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.[14]

In April 2014, Laoye was unveiled as 'The Voice for Refugees'[39] in southwest Nigeria, by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). 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. She has also made donations to the cause and performed at a number of events in support of the cause.

On 21 May 2014, Laoye was nominated in the category of Best Gospel Artiste at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) 2014. The Award ceremony is set to hold at the Eismann Centre in Dallas, Texas on the 26th of July 2014.[40] Later that month, Laoye was also nominated for Best Gospel Artiste of the Year by the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA).[41]

On 20 July 2014, Laoye picked up the Crystal award for Best Worship Song for "Only You" at the 2014 Crystal Awards in Lagos, Nigeria.[42] She was also nominated for the Artiste of the Year and Best Female Vocalist categories at the awards.[43] On 24 August 2014 at the Fairfields Hall-Croydon, in London, England, Laoye won the award for 'Female Artiste of the Year' at the 2014 Africa Gospel Music Awards (AGMA).[44] She had also been nominated for the 'Artiste of the Year' (West Africa) at the same awards.[45]

Year Recipient Award Result
2009 "Never Felt This Way Before" 2009 Hip Hop World Awards: Best Vocal Performance (Female) style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2009 Hip Hop World Awards: Hip Hop World Revelation (Best New Artist) style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
KORA Awards: Best Spiritual Artist style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
KORA Awards: Best Arrangement style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
SoundCity Music Video Awards: Best Female Video style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Nikki Laoye City People Entertainment Awards: Musician of the Year (Female) style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Nigerian Entertainment Awards, USA: Gospel Artist of the Year style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2010 "Taka Sufe" Nigerian Music Video Awards: Best Afro-Hip Hop Video style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Nigerian Music Video Awards: "Best Gospel Video" style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2013 "Only You" African Gospel Music Awards, UK: Song of the Year style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Nigerian Gospel Music Awards: Worship Song of the Year style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
"123" Crystal Gospel Awards: Song of the Year style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Nigerian National Anthem Nigerian Gospel Music Video Awards: Best Goodwill Video style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
"Only You" Gospel Music Awards, Italy: Best International Song of the Year style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Nikki Laoye Gospel Music Awards, Italy: Best International Female Artist of the Year style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Nikki Laoye Gospel Music Awards, Italy: Best International Gospel Hip-Hop of the Year style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
'123' Nigerian Gospel Music Awards: Song of the Year style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
"Only You" The Headies 2013: Best Vocal Performance (Female) style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
2014 Nikki Laoye African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA 2014): Best Gospel Artiste style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Gospel Artist of the Year style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
The Crystal Awards 2014: Artist of the Year style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
The Crystal Awards 2014: Best Female Vocalist style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Africa Gospel Music Awards 2014: Female Artist of the Year style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
Africa Gospel Music Awards 2014: Artiste of the Year (West Africa) style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
"Only You" The Crystal Awards 2014: Best Worship Song style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) 2014: Best Soft Rock/Alternative Video style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2014: Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won

Discography

Year Title Type
2006 "Never Felt This Way Before" Single
"Joy Comes"
"Taka Sufe (Snap and Whistle)"
2008 Angel 4 Life Album
2011 "No be Beans" Single
2012 "123"
2013 "Only You"
"Can't Hold Me Down"
2014 "Your Number" featuring X-Blaze and Runel Karebian
"Mighty God"
The 123 Project Album

References

  1. ↑ "10,000 Lagosians rock Inspiration FM praise jam". Vanguard Newspaper (Lagos, Nigeria). 1 January 2010. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  2. ↑ "Voice of Refugees: Nikki Laoye, Explains Why she bagged the Ambassadorial Job". Encomium Magazine (Lagos, Nigeria). 20 May 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ogaga, Tony (9 November 2013). "Nikki Laoye: Dad broke my heart when...". Daily Sun (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  4. ↑ Ahmed, Modupe (15 June 2013). "My Parents Influenced my Music-Nikki Laoye". Nigerian Tribune (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  5. ↑ Ovie, Odi (5 September 2009). "Nikki Laoye & Jeremiah Gyang – Someone 2 Love". Notjustok.com. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Bella, Naija (10 March 2009). "Hip Hop World Awards 2009 Nominees Announced". BellaNaija (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "NEA Awards: J-Martins & Naeto C Lead Nominations". Jaguda (Lagos, Nigeria). 25 March 2009. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  8. ↑ Olorisupergal, Tosin (1 January 2014). "Who is Nikki Laoye". Olorisupergal. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Oya 1-2-tiri". Imbue Magazine (Abuja, Nigeria). 10 June 2014. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
  10. ↑ Sound City, New Music from Nikki Laoye. "News".
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Nikky Laoye: I was a Virgin When...". This Day Newspapers (Lagos, Nigeria). 22 March 2014. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  12. ↑ Akinboade, Bola (25 August 2011). "Celebrity Buzz: Nikki Laoye Losses Father". Bebeakinboade.com. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  13. ↑ Oni, Wale (21 July 2013). "Fascinating Nigeria: The Rivetting Launch". ThisDay Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Nikki Laoye Receives Headies 2013 Award Amid Tears". Hip Hop World (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Name *. "Nikki Laoye: Why I kept my virginity till my wedding night | VINE". Vinemag.com. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  16. ↑ "Nikki Laoye & XBlaze - Your Number ft. Runel Karebian". Notjustok.com. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Kemi Lanre. "Nikki Laoye: I Love Adventure". The Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Biobaku, Samod (1 February 2014). "Things people didn’t know about Nikki Laoye". Daily Newswatch (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  19. ↑ "A Date with Nikki". Business Day. 3 August 2014. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  20. ↑ "MTN Project Fame West Africa’s ‘Lucky 18′ get their first taste of Stardom as the show begins and superstar Asa visits". BellaNaija.com. 19 July 2010. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  21. ↑ "The Experience waiting for 400,000 worshipers". Vanguard Newspapers (Lagos, Nigeria). 27 November 2009. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  22. ↑ "Review : Olorunbi, The Musical". WeRunThings (Lagos, Nigeria). 24 September 2009. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  23. ↑ "Top 7 Queens of Nigerian Music". Vanguard Newspapers (Lagos, Nigeria). 11 November 2011. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  24. ↑ "Parade of stars as Bent Arrows premieres". Vanguard Newspapers (Lagos, Nigeria). 8 April 2011. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "About Nikki Laoye ~ Olamild Ent". Olamildent.com. 9 July 2009. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  26. ↑ Ogbulafor, Richard (22 November 2012). "Word on The Street". Xclusive Gospel (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 18 March 2014.
  27. ↑ Obot, Victor (9 February 2013). "Gospel Singer, Nikki Laoye to host her own radio show". The Netng (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  28. ↑ Adeniji, Gbenga (26 September 2012). "Raising soldiers for His kingdom". The Punch (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  29. ↑ Faith, Damiete (17 September 2013). "Nikki Laoye at Nottinghill". Daily Independent Newspaper (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  30. ↑ "Nikki Laoye shines in UK". Daily Newswatch (Lagos, Nigeria). 14 September 2013. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
  31. ↑ Braide, Damiete (17 October 2013). "Mary J Blige, Tiwa Savage, Nikki Laoye, others, excite fans at Sisters with Soul concert". The Sun Newspaper (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  32. ↑ Bade, Femi (29 December 2014). "Rhythm Unplugged 2014 special -10 years after, it remains Nigeria’s biggest entertainment show". Encomium Magazine (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  33. ↑ "NIKKI LAOYE LAUNCHES "ANGEL 4 LIFE" CHARITY PROJECT AND HER NOTEBOOK LINE- "SCRIBBLES BY NIKKI LAOYE"". Wahala Media. Lagos, Nigeria. 22 December 2010. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  34. ↑ "My parents influenced my music career —Nikki Laoye". Tribune Newspaper (Lagos, Nigeria). 27 November 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  35. ↑ Ogaga, Tony (9 November 2013). "Nikki Laoye: White Cane Day". Daily Sun (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  36. ↑ Akintayo, Opeoluwa (10 December 2011). "Nikki Laoye Weds Today". Vanguard Newspapers (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  37. ↑ Bella, Naija (9 July 2009). "Soundcity Music Video Awards 2009 Nominees List". BellaNaija (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  38. ↑ Base, MTV (25 August 2008). "Naija's Hottest Emerging Starts Go under the Spotlight". MTV Base (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  39. ↑ "Singer Nikki Laoye Unveiled as the Voice for Refugees in Southwest Nigeria". HipHop World Magazine. Lagos, Nigeria. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  40. ↑ "AFRIMMA Nominees 2014". AFRIMMA. Texas, United States. 21 May 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2014.
  41. ↑ "NEA Awards 2014 - View Nominees List". AFRIMMA (Nigeria). 30 May 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  42. ↑ Wale, Ogunsokun (21 July 2014). "Gospel Artistes Rewarded at Crystal Awards". Vanguard Newspapers (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  43. ↑ Omoniyi, Tola (17 March 2014). "The Crystal Awards 2014: The Nominees are". Praiseworld Radio (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  44. ↑ Amos, Timi (26 August 2014). Selah Afrik (Lagos, Nigeria) http://selahafrik.com/2014/08/26/nikki-laoye-sabina-sammie-okposo-eben-more-bag-2014-african-gospel-music-awards/. Retrieved 26 August 2014. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  45. ↑ Omoniyi, Tola (21 July 2014). "AGMA 2014: The Nominees are". Praiseworld Radio (Lagos, Nigeria). Retrieved 25 July 2014.