Ni-Cola

For all bookings contact: Loraine Clarke : bookings@ni-cola.com
Tel: 0161-850-3111
PR: pr@ni-cola.com
www.ni-cola.com
Twitter:@NiColamusic


Biography

Nicola Monique witter was born on the 24th February 1982, to parents David Jackson and Dorette Witter; she grew up with 3 other siblings alongside her in a strong Jamaican single parent home. Ni-Cola remembers the constant struggles her mother faced raising four children single handed and yet devoted to them all. There were times when food was scarce, and yet mum spent her money sending all four of us to private school. There was a strong work ethic in our home, and Godly discipline. And it was often the rod, which kept this impressionable girl on the right path and on a road to success.
Ni-Cola first emerged onto the UK gospel scene in late 2004. A friend had told her how much they were touched by the passion and sound in her voice and how it literally brought them to tears. Unbeknown to Ni-Cola this friend had enjoyed previous success on the Manchester music circuit in the 90’s within the secular arena, touring with bands such as the spiral carpets. This would then be Ni-Cola’s first mentor. Within just a few months Ni-Cola submitted a demo of her soon to be released single titled “Still Here” of which she later received a nomination for the Gem awards in 2004 for Best female newcomer. Such an honour and complete shock to the singer who had literally just emerged from this unknown city (Manchester).
Ni-Cola began to play on several key stages in Manchester, building her profile and sharing her faith. After a short period it became clear that this friend could take Ni-Cola no further on this journey, which is where Ni-Cola was approached by independent record company 1nC promotions.
Her sound can be described as an earthy rich alto, with sweet unpredicted harmonies, catchy melodies and song writing that takes you on a journey from start to finish. Within just a few years the singer/songwriter has her songs in the mouths of youths searching for positive role models.
Ni-Cola had faced many a hard time but always remembers where she has come from. It’s the knowing God is with you always and to the end of the age that keeps the young singer focused on the prize. Ni-Cola’s musical journey began from an early age. Ni-Cola’s first solo, she recalls was at a cousins christening party where she repeatedly sang the hook of a well-known pop song, keeping guests well entertained. Ni-Cola remembers waking up on a Saturday morning hearing mum singing and cleaning, some old Gospel favourite. At the age of nine she began singing in the church choir, then eventually moving onto the church’s local worship band. In the late 1990’s, Ni-Cola formed a Dance Group known as GSD (God Said Dance). GSD danced in local churches, events, and Supported local and international artists such as Elaine Hanley, and Lieutenant Stitchie.

Ni-Cola then went onto Bible school, for a year, under the ministry of Ulf Ekman at Word of Life Bible centre in Sweden. This is where Ni-Cola caught the vision of ministry described by herself as, “Simply meeting the needs of the people, by the power of the Holy Spirit”. Ni-Cola’s heart for souls was ignited and it became clear that her goal was to win souls for Christ by whatever means possible.
On her return to England, Ni-Cola’s mother suddenly passed away. “This had been my childhood fear”, explains Ni-Cola,” and now it was my reality”. However in the midst of the grieving process she was encouraged to write a song, which later became her first release entitled “Still Here” in 2005.
The song shares her story on how she struggled with grief, fear and even suicide. Ni-Cola could never have imagined that her musical career would have come out of such devastating circumstances.
Ni-Cola then went on to complete a Performing Arts degree at the University of Salford, whilst pursuing her music career and believes this has enhanced her confidence and delivery of performance on stage.

Aged 32, Ni-Cola is described as one of the North West’s freshest talents to be birthed from the city of Manchester, England. Ni-Cola’s heart is evident throughout her music, she is no longer just a singer amidst the millions on the planet, but a music minister with a gift to heal, bring truth and take you on a journey to salvation by proclaiming the Gospel throughout her songs. Through her gifts, she is able to share her personal stories of love, compassion, and trials, in a 21st century Mancunian way. Ni-Cola needs no introduction, she can engage a small intimate crowd or command an auditorium full of people to let go and have a good time in the presence of God.

Ni-Cola won the “Best Newcomer” award at the Oasis Awards 2006. In 2010 Ni-Cola received a nomination for both a Dove award for “Best compilation album” (The British are coming), and also “Best female” at the GMA awards.
Her Debut Album” My Passion His Heart” was released by independent record label 1nC Promotions in December 2007, this received great reviews from both secular and Christian media. Ni-Cola makes no apologies for her strong presence and aims to take her music across the world.
At present, Ni-Cola is a member of RCCG Jubilee Church Manchester; a minister of music, motivational speaker, and youth leader.

Since her debut album, Ni-Cola has grown spiritually, musically, and is more confident in who she is. I used to try and fit into a box, when people would invite us to come and perform, but now, I say look, I don’t know what’s gonna happen, just expect the unexpected, we practise yes, we rehearse yes, we sound check yes, but I cannot guarantee that’s what we’ll do, and it’s all over to the Holy Spirit from that moment. Ni-Cola has ministered up and down the country and internationally at countless events; from high schools, festivals, concerts, nightclubs, outreaches, Television, radio and conferences.
In 2010 Ni-Cola embarked on a 20 date US college in Ohio and Alabama. On Ni-Cola’s return to the UK, she successfully headlined her own UK Tour showcasing her sophomore album “Love Out Loud’ which presented another accolade to the “Lil lady with the big voice”, receiving the awesome news that she had been nominated for the prestigious MOBO award for “Best Gospel Act” 2012, alongside the likes of Emile Sande, Labrinth, Plan B, and Rita Ora, she is now flying her MOBO flag. 2015's bar has been set very high for the Manchester born singer, who is also the first cousin of X factor finalist Misha B. Having performed in front of thousands at the “Barbados Gospel Festival” this year (2014) alongside, Tye Tribbett, Damita Haddon, and Hezekiah Walker, making her debut performance at the “House of Commons” performing her cover of “Alabaster Box” and being invited to interview the legendary “Kirk Franklin” at this years Festival Of Praise, at Manchester Central Arena, 2014 has been a great year for Ni-Cola and she is ready to head full steam into 2015.
Ni-Cola is now the proud CEO of Manchester Community Spirit, (an arts charity dedicated to reaching out to disadvantaged young people across Manchester) using the creative and performing arts. We’re in a new year, a new season and I’m ready says Ni-Cola, to go back into the booth and make some more great music, working with some amazing stars. There are some projects that I have been supporting in 2013 that will be released this year, and so expect some surprises.
Make sure you don’t miss out on hosting her in the new year!
Ni-Cola has shared the stage with several UK/International artists Misha B, Damita Haddon, Tye Tribbet, Hezekiah Walker, Marvia Providence, Chevelle Franklyn, Sherwin Gardner, St Matthew, Stitchie, Ron Kenoly, Muyiwa, Noel Robinson, Israel Houghton, Junior Tucker, Lisa McClendon to name a few.
Tracy Powell (RGN)
Ni-Cola Ministries Booking/Administrative Manager
bookings@ni-cola.com
www.ni-cola.com
Tel: 0161-850-3111