Ms. Nikell
Flint, Michigan, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2002
Music
Press
When newcomer Nikell Johnson took the stage, she looked stunning in a royal blue off the shoulder blouse and embroidered lace pants of the same color. It was an outfit, she said in a post-performance interview, that she had made herself so that she knew it was an original. A Flint native, Johnson said that until 2017, she sang backup for several local groups and the Flint Blues Festival was among her first solo performances. It was clear that the crowd enjoyed her.
But it has taken awhile to get to this point, she said. Having auditioned twice with American Idol and earlier this year with The Voice, she sees herself finally emerging as a solo artist. She said she draws inspiration from the older R&B artists, such as Anita Baker and Sade. Chuckling, she said, “Hash tag, bring back nineties R&B.”
Johnson said she is scheduled to play Churchill’s in downtown Flint Sept. 30 and expects to release her new hit single, “Going Out, Southern Soul with a Twist,” (with Fli Boy Music) Sept. 15. Johnson’s colleague, singer Napoleon Demps, who shares her label on Fli Boy Music with producer Floyd Fuller, said that what he sings is Southern Soul, a mixture of blues, R&B, and hip hop. - Sherrema Bower of East Villiage Magazine
Discography
"Going Out" - Southern Soul Vol. 2 "Southern Soul with a Twist
Photos
Bio
If when you hear today's R&B you imagine basic vocals with no substance, think again. Ms. Nikell is raw talent with a smooth sound. Her music will take you back to a time when music made you feel good. When asked about the purpose behind her music, Ms. Nikell says “Bring back 90's R&B.” "Back then, people put thought into their music and made you feel what they were feeling. My music is timeless, transcends age and racial barriers. It something in which everyone can relate. She has been performing since the age of 13. In 2004 she performed on Showtime at the Apollo on the world famous Apollo stage. Ms. Nikell has also performed at events such as Blues on the Lawn, Flint Institute of Arts Community Arts Gala, and many other notable events around the greater Flint area. She is currently working on her debut album entitled "Limitless" to b released in the coming months.
Band Members
Links
