Only months into the release of her debut album, Nikki, a beautiful and very talented young lady already
scooped her first award at the Metro Fm Awards for Best Produced Album. Not only competing with the likes of the highly acclaimed Rhythmic Elements and 340ml, but winning the award has proved beyond any doubt that Nikki has what it takes.

Nicolene Hendricks was born in Johannesburg to parents - saxophonist father Ronny Hendricks and mother
Margaret, a seasoned poet and writer. Her natural singing talent was realized at a tender age while performing in her local church. A brief stint at the National School of Arts studying vocals and keyboard technique helped to unearth her talent and passion that is set to influence the SA music scene.

Nikki is not only a talented vocalist, but a well-versed writer, that penned all 14 tracks on her debut album-
Evolution. Nikki`s musical influences span from Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Gwen Stephanie, India Arie, Tamia to the late TK and Lebo Matosa. “These women continue to inspire and motivate many women including myself, not only through their success in the entertainment industry but also through their ability to grow, strengthen and re-invent themselves”.

Nikki released her first 06 track EP titled You, in 2006 with former label In-Tyme Inc. In the same year, she received a nomination for the Metro FM Music Awards in the Best Female Vocalist category together with Judith Sephuma and Puleng. Although she did not win the award, the mere nomination made her realize that she was being recognized for her work.

The tracks from her EP-You, namely Love me and Someone, spent months on National and Regional radio station countdowns peaking at number 1 in Kzn, Durbans Youth Radio, East Coast, P4 Radio, in Eastern and Western Cape’s P4 Cape Town, Good Hope FM, Heart FM, Bay FM, just to mention a few.

In Gauteng numerous radio stations also embraced the Nikki sound, with tracks like You and Love me spending up to 16 weeks on the charts.Her award winning album Evolution was produced by Black Note Entertainment. This dynamic company boasts with a solid production and creative team, which includes the likes of shareholders Jerome Lindsey Arends and Leon James. Additional tracks produced by Bryce Anderson of Colambo Entertainment.

“It took about 2 years to record and complete my album Evolution. I felt that it was very important to take my time, making sure that every instrument, sound and note felt right and sounded good. Going in from time to time and just listening to different beats and ideas helped condition the direction that we as a team were going to take.The most important feeling about the album is that it sounded fresh and original.
I am very appreciative of the life that I have, making music and sharing it with people is what I have always wanted to do “Everything about this album reflects how much I have grown as an artist, a performer and as a woman.”

Evolution is a beautiful album as each song has its own identity and flavour. The album has strong full on Dance and R&B elements. There is definitely something for everyone - young and old. My favorite tracks on the album are tracks no 11 - Oh, Baby Love (track 03), Magic (Track 08) and Here we go again (track 13). Before the night is over (track 2 sees collaboration with rapper Diddle from Kzn)
Baby love (track 03) is sprinkled with smooth R&B nuances, but with an old school twist. The soulful and moving ballads Someone (track 12) and Oh (track 06), digs down deep into the aspects of relationships, giving the listener a thing or two to think about lyrically, while the music keeps you in endless chill out vibes of musical bliss.

Other prominent tracks that highlight Nikki’s special talents are, Before the Night (track 02), featuring vocalist and producer Bryce Anderson, the soulful dance tracks; It is just the Way (track 04) and Magic (track 08). Whilst working on promoting her album Nikki continues to light up the dance floors and corporate stages around the country.

Track listing - Evolution
1. Eye on you
2. Before the night is over
3. Baby love
4. It’s just the way
5. I know
6. You
7. Magic interlude
8. Magic
9. Love me
10. Money
11. Oh
12. Someone
13. Her we go
14. Weren’t you the one