Nikita Chepchumba Kering (born on February 26, 2002) known to many as solely Nikita Kering, is a Kenyan musician actress and media personality.
The young artist rose to dominance after she released her song “Tragedy” which addressed a mature audience on violence in romantic relationships.
Her commanding voice and exceptional talent has seen her collect several local and international awards at a young age.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
Background & Education
The 23 year old was born at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. She is a daughter to Anne and Joseph Kering. She is the only daughter and has three brothers.
Her parents have always been supportive of the young musician’s aspirations and talent.
Early in her education, Nikita attended Riara Springs Academy, Kilimani Junior Academy, and Nairobi Academy.
She later proceeded to Brookhouse International School where she pursued a Diploma in Business and Technology in Music between 2017 and 2020.
Nikita has since applied to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.
Rise to Stardom
Nikita has always had a passion for music since she was a young child. She was mentored by award-winning gospel artist Emmy Kosgei and has done music since 2007 when she was only five years old.
In 2012, she took the stage performing in front of a huge audience when she curtain raised for Kosgey’s album launch. Her performance and voice became an instant talking point among those who attended the launch and netizens at large.
The moment set her up on a path to the star she is becoming and is yet to scratch the surface of her potential.
She proceeded on to juggle her music and school, and made a name for herself as one of the most promising musicians in the country.
Nikita later competed in the EmPawa Africa initiative which was funded by Nigerian artist Mr. Eazi. She was among the 10 finalists who underwent training on an international stage.
She could not proceed further with the project as she was too young, but as her result, her talents were broadcasted further into the world. Her hit single “tragedy” released in 2019 was an EmPawa project and was sponsored by Mr. Eazi.
Her sultry voice, hard work and admiration of top Kenyan artists such as Eric Wainaina have earned her a name among the top and most talented artists in the country.
Collaborations
Nikita is yet to work with some of the top musicians in the country but she has worked with elite producers.
She has worked with producer Sofresh 254 who produced the hit “Nairobi” by Sol Generation. Her sound engineer Trevor Magak engineered and co-produced Sauti Sol’s “Midnight Train” album.
Biggest Hit
Her song Ex released in 2021 surpassed 800,000 views in under 2 weeks.
Endorsements
Nikita has worked with Samsung as their East Africa Brand Ambassador.
Awards
Her talent is evident, and in 2019 she made history as the youngest Kenyan female artist to bag an AFRIMA Award.
In 2019, she was named the Best Female Artist in East Africa during the AFRIMA Awards. She was also awarded Revelation of the African Continent award during the same ceremony.
Nikita won the Best New Artist award during the 2018 Pulse Music Video Awards. She was also named the Best New Artist that year during the Cafe Ngoma awards.
In 2021 she won the All Africa Music Awards for Best Female Artiste East Africa.
