Harlem Hellfighters by way of East L.A., Forest Hills, Miami, and Haiti. NOLA DARLING’s distinct sound is new school, yet reminiscent of the past; Their tongue in cheek sensibility and innovative sound combined with a unique image make Nola Darling incomparable. "We chant for peace and toast for kicks, rhyme for days and sing like we spit" say Nikkobya and Aziza of their unique style and flavor.
Though born on opposite coasts (Nikkobya in Queens, NY and Aziza in Los Angeles), the two girls share a similar world view which they attribute to their progressive upbringing. "Both sets of our parents were pretty socially conscious and forward thinking. We both grew up on everything from Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, and Ella Fitzgerald to Eddie Palmieri, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, and Bad Brains" says Aziza (aka Gidge).
Nikkobya and Aziza began perfecting their craft as young girls, encouraged by their parents to explore all artistic mediums, with Nikkobya (aka Alex) studying music at the Harlem School of the Arts and Brooklyn Academy of Music while Aziza took to the small screen in shows like "Hanging With Mr. Cooper" and "ER".
The two first met in the summer of 2000 at NYU’s highly selective High School Drama program at Tisch Schol of the Arts. After returning to NYU in the fateful fall of 2001 and earning degrees four years later, the two friends and collaborators decided to take a road trip across the globe to investigate Hip Hop culture overseas in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, London, the Netherlands, Paris, and Rome. The result of their unique quest is the film company, NOU LA Productions ("Nou La is Kreyol"; it translates loosely as "we are here, alive and well in the thick of struggle") and their new documentary "WORD?! I Didn't Know (____________) Could Get Down Like That"! The Film premiered at the Pan African Film Festival in Feb 2008.
While overseas filming "WORD?!", the two discovered their own musical compatibility and from then on have never looked back. Since performing as NOLA DARLING in the spring of 2007, the girls have graced stages at Crash Mansion NYC, The Knitting Factory, Bowery Poetry Club, Southpaw (BK), Sputnink, The Hook, and New York University. NOLA DARLING has also been featured in the NY POST, REBELCITYMUSIC.COM, and FORMAT MAGAZINE.
Citing The Fugees, Ella Fitzgerald, Tanya Stephens, MC Lyte, Steel Pulse, Esthero, Michael Jackson, and Salt N Pepa, among many others as strong influences, NOLA DARLING is excited to present their debut release, "Nola Darling's Pretty-Gritty Mini-Mixtape" featuring production by Melo-X, LP the Chemist, Tae and collabos with emcees Fresh Daily and P.Casso.
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