Monique Nikkole: Power, Grace & Emotion

Monique Nikkole

Monique Nikkole’s voice hits like life — smooth, rough, and full of truth. She’s been through the grind, felt the heartbreak, and it all comes through in her sound. We talked about the hustle, the scars, and what it takes to keep it real when the world’s trying to break you.

Q: Let’s hop into this upcoming single, “We Are One” — how did this particular track come to fruition?

Monique Nikkole: “We Are One” actually started as a slow record, recorded originally by the legendary Frankie Beverly. My manager at the time, Michael Stemley and I, decided to breathe new life into this amazing classic; we wanted to bring that New Orleans’ bounce energy, we contacted Blaq N Mild to produce it originally and add J Hot to replace the samples and add his voice box on it…and the rest is history! We ended up with something vibrant, fun, and full of movement. It’s a record about unity and togetherness, so it felt right to give it a sound that makes people dance, smile, and celebrate each other.

Q: How does “We Are One” compare to or differ from your previous songs?

MN: This one has a lot more bounce…literally! Most of my earlier records are more traditional R&B, soulful and heartfelt. “We Are One” still has that message of love and connection, but it’s wrapped in high-energy production that just feels good. It’s me showing another side of my artistry.

Q: Of course “We Are One” comes courtesy of your forthcoming EP, Enigmatic — conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?

MN: The word Enigmatic is a mix of Enigma and Matic from Nas’s Illmatic. It represents mystery, depth, and lyricism…that feeling of being intriguing and authentic at the same time. For me, it’s about showing different layers of who I am as an artist and a woman.

Q: Enigmatic is a CoCo Tunes Publishing INC. project — what are your future plans and goals for the imprint? And who else, besides yourself, currently makes up its artist roster?

MN: CoCo Tunes is my baby. Right now, I’m still building it out. I started it to create a home for independent artists like myself who want control over their creativity and business. I’m focused on expanding it, signing fresh talent, and giving them the kind of opportunities I had to fight to create for myself. For now, it’s just me on the roster, but that’s changing soon!

Monique Nikkole

Q: As a songwriter, where do you draw inspiration from?

MN: Life! Love, loss, joy, struggle…everything I experience or witness can turn into a song. I write from real emotion. If I’ve lived it, or even just felt it deeply, it’s going to show up in the music.

Q: Tell me about your musical beginnings. When did this journey start for you?

MN: I’ve been singing since I was a little girl. Music has always been my outlet and my peace. Professionally, I started releasing records in 2015 with my single “Say Yes,” under my own imprint, CoCo Tunes Music / Publishing Inc. That record got commercial radio play here in the States and even overseas, and it really opened the door for me.

Q: Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, who were some of your biggest influences?

MN: Oh, definitely the greats…Whitney Houston, Stephanie Mills, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Meli’sa Morgan, and Miki Howard. Those women taught me about power, grace, and emotion in music. Brooklyn also gave me that edge and hustle that keeps me pushing.

Q: How do you define your style?

MN: My style is classic R&B with a modern twist…soulful vocals, honest lyrics, and a touch of sass. I love being able to move between smooth ballads and high-energy records like “We Are One.”

Q: What do you hope people take away from your music?

MN: I want people to feel something. Whether it’s love, healing, empowerment, or joy, I want them to walk away with a sense of connection. My music is about unity, love, and celebrating life.

Q: Dream collaboration — who would it be?

MN: I’d love to work with Babyface. He’s one of the greatest songwriters of all time. I think our styles would blend beautifully.

Q: If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be?

MN: That’s a hard one…originally I would have said Madison Square Garden. I’m a Brooklyn girl, so that the ultimate dream now would be the Barclays Center! To sell out the Garden or the Barclays in my hometown would be a dream come true! 

Monique Nikkole

Q: How do you feel about the current state of R&B?

MN: I think R&B is alive and well now…it’s just evolving. There’s so much talent out there, and people are finding new ways to express that soul and emotion. It might sound different today, but the heart of it is still there and there’s artists out there that are continuing to keep it relevant and alive! 

Q: What’s the key to your longevity?

MN: Staying true to myself. Trends come and go, but authenticity lasts. I also keep growing, learning, collaborating, and finding new ways to express myself.

Q: Beyond music, what else, if anything, do you want to do?

MN: I’m also an actress, and I’d love to do more in film and television. I enjoy storytelling in all forms. I also see myself mentoring and developing young artists through my imprint down the line.

Q: Biggest career moments so far?

MN: My first Grammy nomination for my feature on Antonio Vergara’s The Fury album was huge…a total blessing. And now being up for Grammy consideration for my feature on track 5 on Vergara StreetBlues album just feels surreal. Those are dream moments.

Q: What’s an average day like for you?

MN: No two days are the same! I might be in the studio recording, doing interviews, planning visuals, or handling business for CoCo Tunes. I also make sure to take time to stay grounded; prayer, family, and self-care are big for me.

Q: How do you interact with your fans?

MN: I love engaging on social media — especially Instagram. I respond to messages, share behind-the-scenes moments, and try to make my fans feel like they’re part of the journey, because they really are.

Q: Favorite and least favorite parts of this work?

MN: My favorite part is performing, there’s nothing like connecting with people live. Least favorite? Probably the business parts behind the scenes, it’s not pretty but it’s so necessary! But it’s all part of the process!

Q: What advice would you give to someone following in your footsteps?

MN: Believe in yourself, stay consistent, and protect your peace. Don’t rush your process, everything happens in divine timing. And, don’t be afraid to create your own lane.

Q: Five to ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

MN: Touring globally, running a successful label, and helping new artists find their voice. And, of course, more Grammy nominations — and wins!

Q: What’s next for you, Monique?

MN: The new single “We Are One” drops November 7th with a fun, colorful video shot in New Orleans, full of dancing and skating energy. Then, I’m gearing up for my EP Enigmatic in Spring 2026. Big things are coming!

Q: Any parting words for our readers?

MN: Thank you for rockin’ with me and supporting real music. Keep spreading love and positivity, and remember, We Are One! 💜

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