Grinding: Nikki NTU

(Photo by King Texas)

1. Name/Alias: Nikki NTU

2.Where are you from/ Where do you currently live?: Brooklyn, NYC

3. Where did/do you go to school and your major?: I attend Fordham University. I major in African and African American Studies.

4. What is your Grind? I'm best known as an emcee, writer, musician, teaching artist, facilitator, and speaker.

5. How did you get into what you're doing now?: I had a love for writing and speaking at a young age. I started rhyming when I was a teen and got into artist development and workshop facilitation around the same time through a mentor of mine. It just grew from there.

6. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?: My mom brainwashed me into thinking I wanted to be an Entertainment Lawyer for most of my childhood, ha! But I always loved writing and drawing. I grew up around that creative environment and got to see a lot of that lifestyle so I knew whatever I would be it would have something to do with expression and cultivation.

7. What are some contributing factors that shaped the life you live now?: Being around folks who push beyond their limitations has been a great influence. Having the opportunity to be exposed to what the world has to offer and understanding how I can contribute.

8. Any specific people that mentored or helped guide you to your current path?:Absolutely. Toni Blackman for one. She was key in me being and doing what I do today.

9. What motivates you?: Other artists. Being around them, speaking with them, enjoying their vibe. Learning about artists and figures who've come before me and the things they faced. I think learning or experiencing inspires me in general. Seeing what is missing and working to fill that gap.

10. Your favorite author and why?: That's a hard one... Right now I'm on D.J. Conway and Ra Un Nefer Amen. Subject wise, they are some of the best. But when it comes to tone, Pierre Stephen Robert Payne brings so much heat to a his writing.

11. What are 3 goals you want to achieve within the next year?: Hmmmm.....
1. Tour 2. Have my organization up and running 3. Map out a space and place of my own where I can put roots

12. One person that continuously inspires you and why?: It's hard to pick one...I'd really have to say MeLo-X. I've always admired his ability to keep moving. His vision and work ethic is crazy. I just sit back sometimes and smile. Gives me a great sense of pride.

13. 3 Indie brands you LOVE to rock?: ALIEN, Vane NYC, Open Ceremony (if my pockets are right), and though I don't have any pieces yet, I stumbled on Loza Maleombho, which I think is a really fly brand.

14. What annoys you the most?: Ha! Constant sneezing and coughing! I can't STAND it! Sounds like they can't breathe and then I feel like I can't breathe and then we're both weezin'. And it's nasty. Get ya immune system up mang!

15. Your best quality?: My sincerity. From anger to complete joy it's always raw passion. Sometimes a jerk...but always honest.

Check out Nikki's blog & download her latest EP Medulla Dinner, its wicked ya'll!

Photos of the Week

(All Photos taken by me throughout NYC)

On Set: Free Peoples Rebellion Lookbook Shoot

For some time now, I've been nagging my good friend & photographer Kwesi Abbensettes to let me tag along on one of his many photo shoots. Finally last weekend I got the chance to see him in action! We met in Brooklyn at a really beautiful brownstone that served as our headquarters for the day. The shoot was for emerging line, Free People Rebellion's look book.  Designer Sarah Williams creates handmade accessories using various metals &  authentic African textiles from her native Liberia. This recent collection was inspired by British phenomenon Ebony Bones tune W.A.R.R.I.O.R.  Most of my collections are inspired by some music or song that I really love, W.A.R.R.I.O.R influenced my incorporation of metals & more strong pieces throughout this collection which convey a strong statuesque type of woman!

Watching the shoot unfold from beginning to end was pure excitement for me. It was great watching the chemistry between all of the talents involved from the MUA Jennifer Knowlden to the gorgeous model Folasade Adeoso (Naija girls rock!) everyone was in sync (especially since it was the first time the model,designer & mua were meeting). Sarah already knew the creative direction she wanted to go in & Kwesi just vibed off of her energy & direction while shooting. There were about 4-5 looks that were shot, each look getting a subtle upgrade by MUA Jennifer Knowlden another amazing talent to watch. Model Folosade Adeoso blew us all away working the simple green vine backdrop including our never-ending slew of onlookers or should I call them the Fola Fan Club lol. Overall the shoot was a success & a great experience that I'm grateful to have been apart of & look forward to more to share with you here at Nuvany Nice!









http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdrn1e_fpr-lookbook-shoot_lifestyle

Manimal Warm Weather Days S/S 10

I always anxiously anticipate what designer Kristen Lombardi will unveil each season with her line Manimal. The spring collection is all about lightness and ease and includes items which are effortless and functional. I love the idea of an urban kind of hunter/gatherer.  Walking around in good looking moccasins and tucking discoveries away in a pouch belt-tying parcels up with a beautifully decorated leather strip.  I grew up in the woods and loved roaming the forest in the spring, documenting new growth.  These spring items were really created in the spirit of those wanderings.

Spring brings a simple aesthetic with the direction of the campaign shoot, allowing the key pieces to stand out. Signature moccasins in neutral earth tones like sand & dust are enhanced w/colorful triangle fringe. I'm still amazed at how Kristen manages to use every bit of left-over scrap to produce various other creations like the math necklace, design at its best. My favorite piece from the collection this season has to be the cutesy Pouch Belt. It appears so simple, but the smallest touch of detail like the miniscule stacked pieces of scrap suede used to hold the knot at the end of the drawstring and knowing that every piece is leftover remnants from another leave you in awe of the designers creativity. Another new addition for spring that Kristen tells me are selling like hot cakes are the adorable baby moccasins.  Again neutral tones accentuating funky zig-zag shapes lined w/faux fur, need I say more :)! And I can't leave out the important fact that all Manimal products are handcrafted and a good portion of them are vegan. Please visit the Manimal website to view the complete line for Spring & don't forget to check out the fabulous sale going on.