Nikita Kering Drops “The Lick Back” EP After Leaving Label Deal
Nikita Kering’s The Lick Back EP is one of the most important releases in East African music this year. Not just because of the sound but because of the story behind it. The Kenyan singer spent the past year fighting to get out of a deal with Universal Music Africa. That process was emotionally exhausting and financially costly. AfrobeatsGlobal has been following her journey, and this EP feels like a real turning point.
Furthermore, The Lick Back was written in just three weeks. Nikita Kering actually scrapped a whole completed EP before it to make this one. She decided the old project was not a real reflection of who she is today and started from scratch.
Nikita Kering: The Lick Back EP Sound and Vision
The EP covers five tracks and moves across dancehall, Afrobeats, R&B, and ballads. The lead single “Niwache” is a dancehall-tinged track about being tired of unclear love. “Give Me My Money” is a direct demand for proper valuation, pointing at how the music industry exploits artists who do not understand contracts.
However, the most personal track is the “Intro” featuring Kenyan Afro-house artist Sofiya Nzau. It is the first time Nikita Kering sings in her mother tongue on a record. AfrobeatsGlobal loves to see African artists leaning into their linguistic identity in music.
What She Said About the Label Experience
Nikita Kering did not hold back when speaking about leaving the deal. She described it as crazy and said it cost her financially and professionally. People did not want to work with her because of the complications around the contract. Additionally, she noted that labels write contracts that artists cannot fully understand, which puts them at a serious disadvantage from day one.
In addition, she stressed that she is not opposed to labels in general. She is opposed to a bad deal. That is a distinction more African artists should feel empowered to make.
Nikita Kering’s New Chapter
The Lick Back is Nikita Kering’s first project since 2022. She says this time she just made music she actually likes. If listeners get it, great. If not, she is fine with that too. AfrobeatsGlobal thinks that level of artistic confidence is exactly what this chapter of her career needs.
Meanwhile, the EP is receiving strong early feedback. East African music fans who have been waiting for her to return are showing up loud and clear.
| Tell us your favorite track on The Lick Back in the comments. Share this post with your East African music community. Follow AfrobeatsGlobal on Instagram and TikTok and via Linktree for more. Check out our previous blog on Emmanuel Jal: The Afro-House Artist Carrying South Sudan to the World. |
