By Patricia Fontejon

On October 12, Indonesian singer-songwriter Nicole Zefanya, professionally known as Niki, held a concert at the Greek Theatre featuring songs from her newest album “Buzz” and “Nicole.” 

NIKI, born in Jakarta Indonesia, gained initial fame through early releases on SoundCloud and YouTube, highlighting her immense vocal ability. She had her breakthrough in 2018 when she joined the 88rising Collective, a music label and media company renowned for promoting Asian artists. This partnership significantly expanded her audience and traction with hit singles like “Every Summer,” “Lowkey,” and “Split,” which resonated with listeners for their emotional depth and relatable themes. 

When she released her debut album “Nicole,” it further catapulted her fame and presence in the music industry. 

Now, a few successful years later, she is on tour again with the newest album “Buzz,” which was released in early August. The album includes 13 comforting new tracks. On the tour, fans can expect to hear favorites such as “Focus” and “Blue Moon” from the new album along with some of her older popular songs such as “High School in Jakarta” and “Oceans & Engines.” 

NIKI typically sings songs with a melancholic tone, aligning her with contemporary R&B and pop music, with elements of indie mixed in as well.

She mixed sadness and nostalgia with her setlist but in a good way. Her music evokes a sense of relatability often in her exploring love and heartbreak. She has a romanticized way of singing about her authenticity, her cultural roots are Indonesian. Audiences relate to her themes such as going through heartbreak, having a strained relationship with parents, and the trials and tribulations of high school. 

NIKI represents everything good in the music industry, and this concert was no exception. She embodies a new wave of Asian artists breaking through in the global music scene, making her a significant figure to watch in the evolving pop genre.