Niyoki
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Niyoki

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"YOU GO, GIRL!"

Edited by Audrey J. Bernard
Lifestyles/Society Editor

Recently I received one of
the most beautiful press kits
ever! I wasn’t familiar with the
artist but felt that if the package
was a true testament to how
the label felt about their artist,
then they deserved my undivided
attention.
Although they say you cannot
judge a book by its cover,
such was not the case with this
extraordinary press kit and its
content. The stunningly beautiful
package was exemplary of
the artist’s exotic looks and a
testament to her anointing. I
Rest my case!
Niyoki, the gospel and contemporary
inspirational vocalist
whose 2006 debut release, My
Everything, sold more than
15,000 copies and spawned two
notable singles “He’s Here” and
“Turn It Over,” is back with her
praiseworthy August 19 sophomore
CD entitled Rest that will
be distributed via the Executive
Music Group and Fontana/Universal
Music Group. In addition
to giving God all the praise
and glory He deserves Rest is
the life-enhancing, praisedfilled
release from this anointed
gospel vocalist.
Rest is a fitting title as the
new project calls upon the Indiana-
born, Tennessee-based vocalist
to deliver a unique blend
of musical styles and genres;
and the spiritually uplifting,
musically inventive follow-up
to her acclaimed My Everything,
crosses all musical
genres to incorporate R&B, jazz,
rock and hip hop all laced together
with what Niyoki describes
as “a central theme of
hope and love for Jesus
Christ.”
Recorded while she was pregnant
with her first child (Kedron
Nero) who was born on November
3, 2007 at her in-home studio
in Nashville, Rest is a solid
collection of songs, each of
which has a different sound and
feel. Expectant motherhood
helped to provide the proud
mom with a peace of mind she
had never before known, as did
a new sense of confidence developed
during her past two
years as a fledgling solo artist
on the national gospel music
scene.
“I was so much more comfortable
with this project because
I’d been there, done that,”
Niyoki explains. “I’m more
settled in my thoughts, with my
lyrics, and with what direction I
wanted to go with the music.
And, more importantly, my relationship
with God has evolved
into a place of peace.”
Rest also reflects the variety
of musical styles Niyoki has experienced,
including those from
her childhood on the gospel
highway with her family singing
group, and the several years
Gospel singer Niyoki invites you to come in for
a spiritual awakening and much needed ‘Rest’
“I was so much more comfortable with this project because
I’d been there, done that,” Niyoki explains. “I’m more
settled in my thoughts, with my lyrics, and with what direction
I wanted to go with the music. And, more importantly,
my relationship with God has evolved into a place of peace.”
she spent on the road and in the
recording studio with Prince.
All 13 songs on the Godkissed
album were written and
produced by Niyoki in collaboration
with her four producers:
Ralph B. Stacy, whose extensive
credits include work with R&B
artists Mario, Dru Hill, Jagged
Edge, and K-Ci and JoJo; Antonio
Neal, an EMI Gospel recording
artist who has also produced
gospel singers Canton Jones,
Darlene McCoy, and Kierra
“Kiki” Sheard; and up-and-comers
Floyd Thomas and Quintin
X. Coleman.
Both Stacy and Thomas had
worked on Niyoki’s earlier CD.
Much of Rest was recorded at her
state-of-the-art home studio in
Nashville, Tennessee, where she
lives with Clarence Nero, her
husband of three years and CEO
of the independent D2G Records
label.
Rest offers a diverse menu of
musical flavors, from the traditional
gospel of “Never Gave
Up,” on which Niyoki stunningly
navigates four key modulations,
to the praise-and-worship
sounds of “Come In,” the
sweetly harmonized “I Will
Rest,” the dance floor-friendly
“Joy,” the hip-hop-infused “He’s
Chosen Me,” the rock ‘n’ roll of
“I Win,” the praise-filled “Where
Would I Be?” and the earnestly
prayerful “All That I Have.”
And on her reprise of the ballad
“So Glad You Decided,” Niyoki
sings alone, without instrumental
accompaniment, showcasing
the strength of her voice, as well
as her remarkable contralto-tomezzo-
soprano range.
These are just a few of the
highlights featured on the new
project which gives Niyoki a
suitable platform on which to
showcase the strength of her
voice as well as her remarkable
contralto-to-mezzo-soprano vocal
range.
“I was so much more comfortable
with this project because I’d
been there, done that,” said
Niyoki. “I’m more settled in my
thoughts, with my lyrics, and
with what directed I wanted to go
with the music. And more importantly,
my relationship with God
has evolved into a place of
peace.”
Niyoki (pronounced Nie-ohkee),
an African name meaning
“serious minded and responsible,”
was given to her by her
mother, a high school French
and Spanish teacher in Fort
Wayne, Indiana. Her father, the
Reverend Clifford White, is pastor
of Loving Faith, a nondenominational
church in Fort
Wayne.
At age five, she began performing
with her piano-playing
mother, father, brother, and older
sister in the White Family and
remained with the group through
high school. Her two younger
sisters later joined the group
which recorded five albums, and
toured the Midwest and Southeast
on weekends and during
the summer.
The White Family traveled
by van with Reverend White
driving. “It was real tight quarters
with all of us in the van,”
Niyoki remembers. “Sometimes
the trips were long, but mostly
I remember how much fun it
was.” On some occasions,
however, the group came up
short financially. She saw her
parents deal with business disappointments,
especially concerning
the finances. “I think
that makes me more business
savvy now,” Niyoki says.
The White Family often
opened gospel programs for
such established artists as
Shirley Caesar, The Williams
Brothers, The Highway QC’s,
The Canton Spirituals, and The
Truthettes. Niyoki was especially
inspired by the Truthettes’
young lead singer, TuTu Jordan.
“She was always so vocally
strong and confident,” Niyoki
recalls. “When I was small, I was
still a little afraid to go up on
the stage, but she never seemed
to show any fear at all.”
Eventually, Niyoki and her
three sisters left the family fold
and formed an R&B singing
group called Milenia. “A local
promoter told us that we were
tall and beautiful,” explains
Niyoki, who at 5’8” was the
shortest member of the group.
“We were at that rebellious
stage. We were tired of our parents
managing us.”
While appearing in Minneapolis,
Milenia was spotted by
Prince. “You always hear about
how tight harmonies can be
with siblings,” Niyoki explains.
“That’s what Prince liked about
us. He just loved how our blend
was and how tight our harmony
was.”
The sisters began singing
backgrounds for Prince as well
as opening his shows with a 30-
minute set of their own. They
appeared on his 2001 duet with
Angie Stone, “U Make My Sun
Shine,” and on his 2003 CD The
Rainbow Children on which
Niyoki was briefly featured
singing second lead on the
song “Everywhere.” A Milenia
CD titled Our Story was issued
in 2005, and included two
Prince-produced tracks.
Niyoki learned many valuable
musical lessons during her
three years with Prince. “We
came from a gospel background,
and he used to get on
us a lot about over-singing, so
I learned how to use volume as
a vocal technique and not be
so hard-hitting all the time,” she
explains. “He showed us how
to put parts together in the studio.
I listened to that and
watched him, and that helped
me to be able to put my own
harmonies together now. However,
I do realize that the gift I
have comes from God.”
A cancelled world tour and
recordings that didn’t require
background singers led the
White sisters to leave Prince.
“We got tired of the hurry-upand-
wait thing,” Niyoki says.
“There were so many uncertainties
about our future with
Prince. It was a really confusing
and frustrating time and it
sent me into a world of depression.”
Niyoki stopped singing for a
period and worked in business
development at an architectural
firm. And, she says, “I took time
to pray, and gospel melodies
kept coming up in my heart.”
My Everything was the answer
to Niyoki’s prayers. The
CD has sold 15,000 copies since
its release in 2006 and the lead
track, “He’s Here,” was named
the 27th most-played gospel
song of 2007 by the trade publication
R&R (Radio and
Records).” That is awesome for
a new artist on an independent
label,” Niyoki says.
She and her husband purchased
an RV and toured the
country with her background
singers, appearing at churches
and on concerts with such artists
as Karen Clark-Sheard,
Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and Virtue.
In 2007, Niyoki also performed
on Radio One’s One Love
Cruise of the Caribbean, which
featured, among others, Fred
Hammond, Donald Lawrence, and
Cheryl “Coko” Clemons, formerly
of SWV, the R&B group that had
initially inspired Milenia.
With Rest, Niyoki feels that
her life and her music have come
full circle. “I’m so peaceful with
my little boy,” she explains. “I’m
just really, really happy to know
God more and in a closer way
than ever before. It’s given me
that rest that most people are
longing for, and that I’m happy
to say that I have.”
Music has the ability to not only
soothe the savage beast, but also
to restore, refresh and rejuvenate.
And good music – music which
speaks to the heart of who we are
– is a balm to our world-weary
souls. Who among us would not
readily admit that we need a break
from our overcrowded days; with
more tasks and obligations than
even the most organized individual
is able to complete? Sometimes
we all – both individually and collectively
– simply need to exhale
and let go for just a little while…
to close our eyes, lean back, and
just, well . . . Rest!
Niyoki is committed to giving
God the highest praise and with
Rest she gives Him the glory for
His faithfulness and loving
care, while encouraging all of us
to lean upon His eternal promises. - New York Beacon


"In the CD Player"

This newcomer is jamming on the opening track, questioning
where she'd be without
the Lord to light her path. Reminiscent of Yolanda Adams and India Arie in cadence
and progressive versatility,
Niyoki has a distinct spirited praising style that is incredibly uplifting on "All That I Have" and "Joy." Ballads
like "Never Gave Up" and the powerful a cappella version of"So Glad You Decided"
will certainly bring souls to salvation. On several tracks, she's got hip-hop, R&B and pop-rock flavors that make you want to hear inspirational messages again and again. - Heart & Soul Magazine


"Niyoki Takes a REST"

God is so amazingly awesome that He can take a former background singer for Prince and move her to sing His praises. He is truly the Master of all things and can transform and use anyone.
The name Niyoki, in and of itself, makes you think of peaceful serenity. With its meaning of "serious minded and responsible," it is quite indicative of the woman, her walk and unending testimony.
She's not only a beautiful, trend setter, but Niyoki is saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit. If you ask her to sum up her latest project in a word, she'll say "evolution." Over the past year, one of the life changing events that have taken place is giving birth to her son, Kedron, which has definitely played a role in the peace Niyoki is currently experiencing.
Her debut CD, My Everything, which sold 15,000 copies, was well received and made it to #8 on the Billboard charts. With her sophomore CD, Rest, being released on August 19th, on the D2G Records/Executive Music Group label, she promises the same dedication that she's always given to her music. Her strong, powerhouse voice is evident in the track, "So Glad you Decided" (reprise). However, what is most impressive is that Niyoki has a collection of work : that crosses all musical genres. She has even managed to add a little Rock to the CD as well.
Niyoki, feeling more at ease with this project, told me that she wouldn't trade anything for her journey. A self-proclaimed 'worry wart' at times, she feels as though Rest will not only give her fans a bit more diversity and showcase her range, but also allow them to experience her newfound comfort in her own skin.
Originally from Indiana, and currently residing in Tennessee, Niyoki has been performing since the age of five. Her entire family comes from a musical background, so the gift of song, is surely in her genetic make-up. Standing at a statuesque 5'8", she speaks fondly of her stint with Prince and added that he taught her how to perfect her craft and not "over sing" as much.
She and her sisters were the opening musical act for Prince and even had their own 30-minute set. However, once The White sisters left Prince, Niyoki found herself depressed and confused. This was the turning point personally and professionally for her, especially on a spiritual level. It was at this moment that Niyoki came to the end of herself and self-reflection was necessary.
Taking it one step at a time along with the help of her husband, she found her voice again.....literally. She'll be the first to admit that her spiritual walk is far from perfected, but as she puts it, "God is a God of first, second, and third chances." To all of those sisters out there, Niyoki's nugget of wisdom is to just 'exhale' and enjoy the fullness of each day. God is about forgiveness and renewal. She believes that far too often women allow the guilt of past mistakes and poor choices to overshadow the goodness of God's grace. Niyoki stays centered with the Maker and remains thankful. After all, she has a great career,
a wonderful husband, and a son to bring it all into perspective.
She believes that so many women are literally just maxed out, and rarely do what's needed to sustain and maintain themselves for self-preservation, which is the key. Niyoki prays that her recent offering will encourage 'exhortation and good works.' Recording Rest allowed her to experience a gamut of emotions. One can definitely hear the level of maturity that her music has advanced to, since her first release.
When asked who she would love to work with on future projects, the likes of Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams were named. With her hectic schedule, co-ownership of the music label and a beautiful newborn son, Rest, is something that will be a rare commodity for this talented songbird.
Check out all things Niyoki at: www.niyoki.com - Diva Zone Magazine


"Fresh Faces"

Like many Gospel singers, Niyoki's start in the gospel arena began at an early age. She was part of a family gospel group (The White Family) that consisted ofher mother, father, sisters and brothers. Together they would record five gospel albums and would open shows for Shirley Caesar, The Williams Brothers, The Highway QC's, The Canton Spirituals, and The Truthettes. After having a successful run in the gospel circuit with her family, Niyoki and her younger sisters switched gears and formed the R&B group Milenia. The group would later be noticed by R&B/Pop sensation Prince. Fascinated by their vocal arrangements, he hired the ladies to perform background vocals for him.
After confusing and frustrating times be without Him in my life;' Niyoki states. The song showcases Niyoki's vocal abilities and is supported by impeccable background vocals.
Speaking of those abilities, she ignites on 10y." The up-tempo song kicks things into high gear. Written while Niyoki was pregnant with her son, is a reminiscent of the joy you should have regardless of your mood. She adds, "When listening to the song you discover that your mood shouldn't determine your joy. This song will remind you of the goodness of God."
"Never Gave Up,"is apersonal testimony that shows Niyoki's determination to regain her personal relationship with God. The message to this powerful song is wrapped in the song's tide, and is enhanced by the tune's
due to canceled tOurs and recordings where background singers were required, Niyoki and her sisters were forced to make a decision to leave R&B. Because singing was such a passion for Niyoki and with everything now changingshe was left feeling depressed. However, after taking a brief hibernation from singing, Niyoki found that she just couldn't walk away. She took a big leap offaith and with her husband, they started an independent label D2G Records all the while, Niyoki was transitioning into asolo artist. During this changeover, Niyoki developed a stronger and more personal relationship with God.
Niyoki boldly burst back onto the Gospel scene in 2006, with her first solo project titled, "My Everything," hailing the lead track, "He's Here." Referred to only by her first name, the one-name gospel diva is making waves again, this time with her sophomore project Rest released on August 19th.
This 13-tracker is a gem all in its own, in that they were all written and produced by Niyoki in collaboration with her four producers. Niyoki is an exceptionally fervent artist who has chosen to go after God's heart. When she speaks and sings, you can hear the zeal for God in her spirit. This is evidence, along with the quality of content that this project is a winner.
The opening track sets the standard and the vibe for the rest of the album. Tided "Where Tf/ould J Be," it's a smooth, urbanstyled
groove with a Simple yet profound hook that makes you wonder about your walk with God. "I appreciate God for who He is and I'm contemplating where would I strong melodic hook. Regardless of the disappointments, trials, sufferings, scuffies, or pain, God will never give up on you.
7 Will Rest," is a special track that allowed Niyoki to yield to God. She tOld the Lord, "I just want to rest and resonate in you." The soft melody allows you to close your eyes and praise God for all that He is about to do in your life, ifyou just rest and be still.
"He's Chosen Me," grabs you at the beginning with the powerful beats and various vocal arrangements. Niyoki explains the message behind the song, "This is about the journey of being called to ministry. It is a song of remembering where God has brought me from and preparing me to go. I'm looking forward to what He has called me to do."
Niyoki uses various flares (gospel, hip-hop and rock) in "Rest," to capture her messages while holding true to her vocal abilities. Through her music, she is spreading the gospel of Jesus across the world. In "Rest," her music expresses who she is and her love for Christ. It gives an insight to her spiritual growth as she matures more and more. As Niyoki learns more about God and His grace, others are encouraged through her music. Each song is an experience that appeals to all ages. "It is a little sugar and spice with some salt and pepper, says Niyoki." When you listen to her CD you feel the anointing.
God is doing great things in her life. Niyoki is not putting God in a box; she is ready to go wherever He wants her to go. She sees herself writing and producing for other people one day. In the meantime, she is staying prepared. "Ifyou are a writer you have to stay prepared because you never know when you will be called upon. When Niyoki writes she makes sure she stays in communion and meditation with the Lord allowing God to use her as He may. Niyoki's steps is a reminder of Jeremiah
10:23 (NIV). In Jeremiah Prayer, he says, "I know, 0 LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps."
Niyoki's advice to those thinking of transitioning into the gospel arena is to make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. "Remember only what you do for Christ will last;' says Niyoki. "When singing gospel you must make sure your heart is in the right place because there will be unexpected bumps along the way. If God has called you He will anoint you with the perseverance to get through all the hard times. God works everything out for our good. When we put Christ first He will see us through everything in our lives."
Niyoki was so excited to give this interview. She wanted to thank all the readers of Epitome. "I just want to say, I appreciate you for all your love and support. I was virtually unknown, but there has been so much love and encouragement. God has given me a gift, while I am continuing to learn more of who He is; people are being uplifted by my walk. I am so happy to be used by God for His kingdom. Thank you."
Niyoki is such an inspiration to the world, her music teaches us that being a Christian does not mean to be boring. The music is upbeat and can be played anywhere. God has given her a gift and she is sharing it with anyone who will listen. To find out more about N iyoki and to purchase her CD check out her websites: www.Niyoki.com or www.myspace.com/niyoki. - Epitome Magazine


"Niyoki invites listeners..."

...After meeting Niyoki in person it’s obvious she has all the attributes needed to succeed in the more lucrative R&B secular music world but prefers to remain in the Christian music genre. “I’ve had people ask me why aren’t you modeling or why don’t you sing R&B/pop like Ciara and Beyonce because you have that look and that sound? That’s not me. I have to give so much credit to God for how he’s kept me and my life---even though some illnesses. I’m in a place of gratitude to God with my life and career. I want the whole world to understand how to get this same joy too…I want my music to be in the life changing business for anyone who hears it. ” www.Niyoki.com and www.myspace.com/niyoki - TN Tribune - Entertainment


"Urban Inspired: Music Vibes"

This former background singer for Prince and current
rising gospel star meshes her urban world with gospel roots to come up with asound that will draw in the young and the old on her sophomore release, Rest. The beats are thumping. The lyrics are inspirational.
And to top it off, Niyoki is a beautiful sister with model looks. Raised on gospel in Ohio, the Nashville area-based singer/songwriter/producer wrote and produced the 13 songs on Rest in collaboration with Ralph B. Stacy (Mario, Dru Hill, Jagged Edge and K-Ci and Jojo), Antonio Neal (Canton Jones, Darlene McCoy and Kierra "kiki" Sheard), Floyd Thomas and Quintin X. This release, which contains the chart rising single, "Joy," has the kind of sound and feel that will take it across musical genres and religious denominations to uplift those in church, outside the side and Gospel, Contemporary Christian and Urban music lovers. Just listen and be inspired!
UP IN THE MIX: "Joy," "All That I Have," "I Will Rest," "So Glad You Decided," "I Win" - Urban Network Magazine


Discography

Sophomore CD: Rest - released August 2008
Hit single: Joy (currently #19 on BDS Gospel chart)

Debut CD: My Everything - released August 2006
First single: He's Here (Top 10 hit; named 27th most played gospel song of 2007 by MediaBase)
Second single: Turn It Over

Photos

Bio

You can read my bio below or view me in concert at http://www.niyoki.com/video_popup.html

Profile
Rest is a fitting title for gospel singer Niyoki’s sophomore CD. The spiritually uplifting, musically inventive follow-up to her acclaimed My Everything, which featured the hit song “He’s Here,” was recorded while she was pregnant with her first child, Kedron Nero, who was born on November 3, 2007. Expectant motherhood helped to provide the Indiana-born, Tennessee-based vocalist with a peace of mind she had never before known, as did a new sense of confidence developed during her past two years as a fledgling solo artist on the national gospel music scene.

“I was so much more comfortable with this project because I’d been there, done that,” Niyoki explains. “I’m more settled in my thoughts, with my lyrics, and with what direction I wanted to go with the music. And, more importantly, my relationship with God has evolved into a place of peace.”

Rest also reflects the variety of musical styles Niyoki has experienced, including those from her childhood on the gospel highway with her family singing group, and the several years she spent on the road and in the recording studio with Prince.

All 13 songs on Rest were written and produced by Niyoki in collaboration with her four producers: Ralph B. Stacy, whose extensive credits include work with R&B artists Mario, Dru Hill, Jagged Edge, and K-Ci and JoJo; Antonio Neal, an EMI Gospel recording artist who has also produced gospel singers Canton Jones, Darlene McCoy, and Kierra “Kiki” Sheard; and up-and-comers Floyd Thomas and Quintin X. Coleman. Both Stacy and Thomas had worked on Niyoki’s earlier CD. Much of Rest was recorded at her state-of-the-art home studio in Nashville, Tennessee, where she lives with Clarence Nero, her husband of three years and CEO of the independent label D2G Records.

Although Rest has, in the singer’s words, “a central theme of hope and love for Jesus Christ,” the CD offers a diverse menu of musical flavors, from the traditional gospel of “Never Gave Up,” on which Niyoki stunningly navigates four key modulations, to the praise-and-worship sounds of “Come In,” the sweetly harmonized “I Will Rest,” the dance floor-friendly “Joy,” the hip-hop-infused “He’s Chosen Me,” and the rock ‘n’ roll of “I Win.” And on her reprise of the ballad “So Glad You Decided,” Niyoki sings alone, without instrumental accompaniment, showcasing the strength of her voice, as well as her remarkable contralto-to-mezzo-soprano range.

Niyoki (pronounced Nie-oh-kee), an African name meaning “serious minded and responsible,” was given to her by her mother, a high school French and Spanish teacher in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her father, the Reverend Clifford White, is pastor of Loving Faith, a nondenominational church in Fort Wayne. At age five, Niyoki began performing with her piano-playing mother, father, brother, and older sister in the White Family and remained with the group through high school. Her two younger sisters later joined the group which recorded five albums, and toured the Midwest and Southeast on weekends and during the summer.

The White Family traveled by van with Reverend White driving. “It was real tight quarters with all of us in the van,” Niyoki remembers. “Sometimes the trips were long, but mostly I remember how much fun it was.”

On some occasions, however, the group came up short financially. She saw her parents deal with business disappointments, especially concerning the finances. “I think that makes me more business savvy now,” Niyoki says.
The White Family often opened gospel programs for such established artists as Shirley Caesar, The Williams Brothers, The Highway QC’s, The Canton Spirituals, and The Truthettes. Niyoki was especially inspired by the Truthettes’ young lead singer, TuTu Jordan. “She was always so vocally strong and confident,” Niyoki recalls. “When I was small, I was still a little afraid to go up on the stage, but she never seemed to show any fear at all.”

Eventually, Niyoki and her three sisters left the family fold and formed an R&B singing group called Milenia. “A local promoter told us that we were tall and beautiful,” explains Niyoki, who at 5’8” was the shortest member of the group. “We were at that rebellious stage. We were tired of our parents managing us.”

While appearing in Minneapolis, Milenia was spotted by Prince. “You always hear about how tight harmonies can be with siblings,” Niyoki explains. “That’s what Prince liked about us. He just loved how our blend was and how tight our harmony was.”

The sisters began singing backgrounds for Prince as well as opening his shows with a 30-minute set of their own. They appeared on his 2001 duet with Angie Stone, “U Make My Sun Shine,” and on his 2003 CD The Rainbow Children on which Niyoki was briefly featured singing second lead on the song “Everywhere.” A Milenia CD titled Our Story was issued in 2005, and inclu