By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Cici Nicole – a well-known performer in the Atlanta nightlife scene – has released her own music since 2017. Now she has taken it a step further with the release of a full album, Mosaic, which came out December 6. David spoke to the performing artist about her inspiration and drive to create music.
Cici, you are a well-known performer in the Atlanta scene. Please tell us a little bit about your background in the community.
Yes, I came into the entertainment industry as a young kid in theater. From there, I did Showtime at the Apollo, did music pre-transition, was a student and entertainer with the Tupac Amaru Shakur foundation, and eventually became a teacher following the footsteps of my dance teacher, Junella Cooper. Then I became a backup dancer and choreographer for artists. In 2009, I started doing drag. I was introduced to drag by SeKyiwa “Set” Shakur, and the rest became history. From doing pageants to local shows and competitions to performing nationally at different bars and venues, I quickly grew my name and my status in the industry. Now, almost 16 years later, I have cemented my name in the industry and even grown my own House of young, amazing performers (Haus Of Nicole).
I have seen you perform your own music and perform strikingly accurate Ciara songs and choreography. Ciara is obviously an inspiration, but who else is a role model performance-wise to you?
Michael and Janet Jackson, for one! I have been impersonating Janet since the very beginning of my drag career! She is a huge inspiration to me artistically! Michael is my hugest inspo; the whole Jackson family is. Beyoncé is a showstopper and a hard worker who has also been a huge inspiration for my career. Other artists like Brandy, Tina Turner, Toni Braxton, Aaliyah, Kandi Burrus, Nicki Minaj, Tupac, Usher, and Tevin Campbell as well.
You have been releasing singles and EPs since 2017, and now you are ready with your first album, Mosaic. Does it feel like a big step?
A huge step! I’m excited but so nervous. I am embarking on the next chapter in my life, and it is a full-circle moment because music has always been my passion and first love. When I started transitioning when I was 15, I hated my voice change and felt as if I would never make it in the music industry as an artist. I had doubts because of how the world views transgender women. I no longer care about that doubt and plan on proving to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to!
What were your inspirations for this album?
This album was inspired first by my personal experiences. I have been through a lot and wanted to put it in my music. From my relationships to losing my best friend Shugahbear to gun violence this year, my dad passing away, and me being sexually assaulted early this year. I talk about it all in this album, but I also still want to inspire the world to dance and love, and that is on this album as well. Artists like Brandy, Toni, Ciara, Janet, Michael ,and Nicki were huge inspirations for this album.
You touched on an unfortunate event that happened to you earlier this year dealing with sexual assault; is the last song on the album “Goodbye to you” referencing that, and what do you want listeners to take away from that?
Yes, that song is probably one of the most vulnerable and personal songs I’ve ever written. It was my way of facing what I have been through. I want listeners who hear the song that may have been through something similar to know they are not alone and to free themselves of the shackles of something so painful and say goodbye to that person that hurt them. I am still doing that to this day.
Talk to me about who you have collaborated with on this album – I see that J. Tyler is listed on the credits?
Yes! J. Tyler actually collabed on two songs for this album: “Work the body remix”, which didn’t make the album, and “Shake It.” We work very well together, and it was so natural doing music with him. Samii Austin is probably one of my favorite rappers, and he is so slept on, but his journey is just getting started. His verses on “Wassup” are fire, and I can’t wait for people to hear it. This will be our second time working together. He was on a song of mine called “Ass Phat.” There are other collabs that did not make this cut but will be on the deluxe.
Will there be a tour for this album? Where will you be performing the songs from it?
I am in the works of putting together a show for my fans. I can’t say too much right now, but I am definitely planning something special.
I know you just did this album, but what’s next in your musical career? What are your aspirations for your musical career?
I only want to grow from here! I have an original Christmas song coming out on Dec. 20th called “On Christmas,” and I am already working on my next project. This is my first full-length album, and it was produced mostly by me, and I plan on learning so much more from vocal producing, background vocals, vocal training, getting better at producing more beats, and mixing and mastering. This is only the beginning. I want to one day be on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and on the VMAS, Grammys, or any music award show, performing in front of artists that inspired me! My biggest dream is to tour the world with my music.
You are a well-known performer in Atlanta. Where can people experience Cici Nicole right now?
I am at Blake’s every Thursday, brunch show at Birdcage monthly, and at Wussy Event shows monthly. I also have my own show – “Who’s Got It” – a talent competition I do every third Monday at Atlanta Eagle. Look out for a new weekly show I have in the works as well.
Where can we follow you on social media? And where is your music available?
I am @Iamcicinicole on everything! You just google “Cici Nicole,” and everything will come up, including how to find my music, which is available everywhere!
Anything else you’d like to add?
I want to genuinely thank everyone for supporting me, and I hope my community really supports my album. We can only grow and elevate when we have the support!
