Nikki was born in Wishaw; however, moved to Worcester at the tender age of 4. The family decided to move to Worcester as Nikki’s father wanted to start up a hot tub distribution company and Worcester was a central point in the country for distribution. Nikki and her family have not forgotten Wishaw though, and make frequent visits back to the town to see family.
At the age of 14 Nikki is already making a name for herself with her amazing voice. She recently performed Pie Jesu at the final of Churchill Cup at Worcester Rugby Club, which gained her a lot of attention. When asked about this performance Nikki said it was definitely her most memorable. “There were over 5000 people in the stadium”. A nervewracking experience for anyone, but on watching the footage it is clear to see that Nikki took it all in her stride.
What is even more amazing is that Nikki says “I started piano lessons when I was 8 years old and later on decided to take singing lessons. These weren’t great at first but I stuck with them.
After attending singing lessons for some time Nikki’s tutor soon realised that Nikki had a fantastic talent and began putting her forward for competitions. Nikki explains “Since then I have won my category at the Worcester Arts Festival singing competition and have been chosen to perform for Worcester Young Musicians. I also managed to get into the National Childrens Choir of Great Britain.”
Nikki has a mature head on her 14 year old shoulders and is not letting expectations and pressure get on top of her. She says “I feel I have achieved an awful lot in the short time I have been performing; however, I am well aware that my voice is still maturing so I am taking it slower than you would normally expect. Classical singing is nothing like pop music and I am told that my voice won’t reach maturity until I am in my late 20s, so I have a long way to go”.
Other singers such as Charlotte Church have perhaps let fame get to them a bit too much, but Nikki’s feet are firmly on the ground. When asked how she remains so level-headed Nikki says “My mum and dad keep me in line! Honestly they do!”. Nikki has a great support network around her and when asked about that she said “All of my family support me really well and they just want the best for me and for me to be happy. I suppose even the driving around is classed as support!” This love and support is reflected when, upon being asked who she most admires she replied “my parents”.
Nikki would love to perform with Dame Kiri Te Kawana and is inspired by Charlotte Church in her younger days, who she says “…was head and shoulders above her contemporaries”. Her dream is to perform at the Sydney Opera House when she is older as “I toured it last winter and felt ‘this is where I want to perform’”.
Nikki has a lot of plans for the future. “This summer I am singing at a friend’s wedding, which is quite an honour as it is a small personal wedding for a local businesswoman in the Worcester area. I will continue to concentrate on making my voice stronger and practice for the winter months as this is when I am at my most busiest, singing at cathedrals both as part of the choir and as a soloist”.
Although Nikki has an amazing talent and has done many things which other 14 year olds can’t even dream about, she remains refreshingly modest and unaffected by the attention her voice has garnered. When asked how she likes spending her time she replied, like any 14 year old would, “I like to go out with friends, and go on the internet or read!”
So watch this space, incoming talent by the name of Nikki Martin landing very soon!
