NIIKEA
Miami, Florida, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2010 | SELF | AFM
Music
Press
As everyone danced to music playing over the speakers, energy was exploding with anticipation for the arrival of Sage the Gemini, Air Dubai and the audience’s choice from UNC’s Got Talent, Nikea Minott.
These were the artists performing for UNC’s Spring Concert 2015 for the “Keep Your Coins, We Want Change” campaign.
Rapper Sage the Gemini has been making music since he was 17 years old. Some of his most popular songs being “Gas Pedal,” “2 AM” and “Second Hand Smoke.”
“I didn’t decide to do music—music decided to do me,” Gemini said in a group interview before the concert.
Although they are smaller shows, he often performs at colleges for a change of pace, since they are different than bigger performances in front of larger crowds. He was not familiar with UNC’s “Keep Your Coins, We Want Change” campaign, which was in support of social change and justice and the theme of this year’s Spring Concert, but he said he agreed with its message.
“We all want change—just not coins. I hate that kind of change,” he said. “People are ignorant nowadays. They need to see the bigger picture.”
He also pointed out that music has the capacity to change people, which is something he said he tries to do with his music.
Along with Sage the Gemini, Air Dubai, a band from Denver known by many here in Greeley, took the stage on Saturday night as well.
Like Sage the Gemini, Air Dubai agreed that college shows were definitely a different experience that they gladly agree to.
“We like performing for colleges, since we’re playing for people more our age,” the members said. “The smaller crowds are nice too, since we can better connect with our audience. We always seem to find ourselves back in Greeley.”
Although they said they agreed with the aspect of social justice and change, it is not the message they try to portray in their music.
Though each of them may have their own individual opinions regarding social change, their band as a whole has only one goal in mind.
“We hope our music makes people dance—lose themselves,” they said. “We just want to see people have a good time.”
At the show, opening act Nikea Minott appeared to be well-received by the audience. She performed hits from popular artists Beyonce Knowles and Ariana Grande.
Even Air Dubai had the crowd jumping to their high energy set, preparing the crowd for Sage the Gemini.
As with any new artist, the amount of singles available for a set list can be sparse.
This was apparent with headliner Gemini. His set lasted about 20 minutes, and it included songs from the early 2000’s, such as Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat.” Some of the other tracks he performed were his own songs “Gas Pedal,” “College Drop” and “Red Nose.”
Between the songs, Gemini attempted dialogue with the approximately 1,200 students in attendance—often participating in a call-and-response where the crowd would respond with words such as “squad.”
UNC students’ fashion choices at the concert also appeared to embody the “squad” statement Gemini made.
Fashion trends for women at the concert were limited to shorts and tanks, more specifically white shorts and black tank tops. The recent 90’s grunge tribute was also apparent—crop-tops with flannels tied around the waist.
For the men of UNC, no real fashions statements appeared to be made. The simple t-shirt and jeans look was shared.
Different groups of students gathered across the Bank of Colorado Arena’s gym, and each group seemed to be having a party of their own within the concert, dancing included.
The abundance of commonality created a sense of community as people bobbed their heads to the headliner’s top 40 hip-hop hits.
At one point during his set, someone in the crowd gave Gemini the middle finger.
In response, Gemini had the entire crowd turn to the offender’s direction and flip him off as well.
The concert was over by 9:30 p.m., and the after-party was held at the Moxi Theater. - The Mirror
Saturday night at the UNC men’s basketball game half-time show, the University Program Council finally revealed the long-awaited student secret: Who is playing at this year’s spring concert.
The three acts to take the stage on March 28 at the Bank of Colorado Arena will be Nikea Minott, Air Dubai and Sage the Gemini.
Doors for the show open at 6 p.m., and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 on the day of the show. Tickets can be bought online or at the information desk in the University Center.
Opening act Nikea Minott
How you know her:
Student choice winner of “UNC’s Got Talent”
Rise to fame:
Minott’s voice stunned the crowd at “UNC’s Got Talent” in January.
Did you know?
Her shy and humble demeanor made her a crowd favorite.
Stage Fright?
After winning the talent show, Minott said she was excited and grateful to be an opening act and found it hard not to be nervous about the opportunity.
Air Dubai
Image Courtesy of Photobucket.com
Who are they?
A six-person hip-hop band from Denver that recently performed at The Moxi Theater.
Rise to fame:
Signed to Hopeless Records about two years ago.
Did you know?
Had their debut album “Wonder Age” in 2010; Newest album “Be Calm” came out in 2014
Songs you might like:
“Warning” (featuring Patricia Lynn)
“Soul & Body”
Sage the Gemini
Image Courtesy of Myspacecdn.com
Who is he?
An American rapper from Fairfield, California
Rise to fame:
In 2013, he reached the top 40 on Billboard’s Hot 100 list with his club hit “Red Nose.”
Did you know?
At the age of 22, he is an up-and-coming artist known for his college club hits.
Songs you might like:
“College Drop”
“Gas Pedal”
“Red Nose” - The Mirror
Nikea Summertime sings during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Monday at the Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., in downtown Greeley. - The Tribune
Discography
NIIKEA is a shy-mannered, yet soulful performer. She is mostly known for her ground-breaking rendition of Beyoncé's 'Halo' at The University of Northern Colorado's talent competition. She has since performed with talented artists like Sage the Gemini and Air Dubai at a Spring Concert in 2015.
Nikea strives to make people happy, and music has become the outlet that allows her to do so.
Photos
Bio
Greetings!
My name is NIIKEA, and I'm a singer/songwriter.
I have been given the privilege of working alongside talented artists such as, Sage the Gemini and Air Dubai.
My greatest aspiration would be to simply sing and continue to share music throughout the community. Music is the greatest gift that anyone can give to the world.
I truly hope that you'll join me on my journey.
xoxo, Nikea
Band Members
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