Shawntoni Ajanee Nichols, better known by her stage name Mamii, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist, best known for her contributions to

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'', co-writing

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", as well as her contributions to

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. In addition to her work behind the scenes, Nichols is also a solo artist blending R&B, jazz, and funk-rock. She is influenced by

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, and more.

Career

Early life

Nichols grew up in a musical family, and began to learn to show interest in music after her brother started producing beats. A self-taught musician, she eventually learned to play the acoustic guitar and bass from YouTube videos. She started singing as a child in the church choir, and was inspired by

the Clark Sisters The Clark Sisters are an American gospel vocal group originally consisting of five sisters: Jacky Clark Chisholm (born 1948), Denise "Niecy" Clark-Bradford (born 1953), Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark (born 1954), Dorinda Clark-Cole (born 1957), ...

Kirk Franklin Kirk Dewayne Franklin (born January 26, 1970) is an American Gospel music, gospel musician. One of the List of best-selling gospel music artists, best-selling gospel music artists, his accolades include 20 Grammy Awards. ''Variety (magazine), Var ...

, and gospel vocal group

Take 6 Take 6 is an American a cappella gospel sextet formed in 1980 on the campus of Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. The group integrates jazz with spiritual and inspirational lyrics. Take 6 has received several Grammy Awards as well as D ...

''Black Phoenix''

In 2021, Nichols released debut major-label project ''Black Phoenix'' to acclaim. In a review for music publication '' Clash'', writer Amelia Lloyd praised the daring, unconventional genre experimentation and "genre-weaving inspiration . "The creative decisions in the creation of this album are just right. ‘Black Phoeniix’ feels rich and complete, a spectacular offering from a young upcoming creative. Contemporary polyrhythms and textured harmonies take this album from classic R&B to a new level. The youth of the genre are flipping the switch." A deluxe version of the project (titled ''Black Phoenix: The Rebirth'') was released several months later with three additional tracks.

Discography

Studio albums

* ''Black Phoenix'' (2021) * ''Black Phoenix: The Rebirth'' (2021)

Extended Plays

* ''18'' (2019) * ''Not an EP'' (2019) * ''Phantasmagoria'' (2024)

Guest Appearances

Selected songwriting & production credits

References

Living people American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters People from Gary, Indiana Singer-songwriters from Indiana American women singer-songwriters 21st-century American singer-songwriters 21st-century American women singers Musicians from Gary, Indiana People from Hammond, Indiana {{US-songwriter-stub