The BETTER DAYS TOUR!

"We're just friends" Yeah right!!!

2011-11-28T04:17:00.000-08:00

I'd rather be average than Sexy!

2011-11-17T03:51:00.000-08:00

So I'm sat on the train on my way to Luton for 2days of songwriting and recording. I totally love my job and rarely see it as work apart from some of the crazy early mornings I have. On the way to the station I've probably scanned 10's of posters, billboards, ads, marketing the 2011 almost 12 woman, in what seems to attract men and women to buy into the fact that she is oh so perfect and desirable. Whether it's to be her (for the woman)or to have her for the man. Recently I was thinking about all the programmes that are on our screens and the silly ads trying to market their latest perfume or their newest hair colour. One thing that is thrown in our faces is a half naked women seducing her man or well paid actor all for some hair dye or scent. I mean i think its totally ridiculous but the fact Is this world and all it's connotations is selling billions of products because of Sex! Which brings me to my point of this blog. As a woman i want to be valued and loved for who I am not my gender, my curves, or my bum. ( butt for you Americans). I hate when some brother thinks he has lyrics and says your so sexy. Sexy suggests I've revealed something of myself that was supposed to be hidden for my husband. Sexy suggests I need you to notice me by the way I dress. I know the ads fuel men's desires and that you guys are trained to look at us ladies but, please if you can try and avoid that word. We are not for sale, we want to be adored and loved not seen as sexual objects. Don't follow the pattern of the world cos it's not what very woman wants to hear. Let us be valued for the person we are not the physique we display. And to my younger girls looking sexy is not the way forward whether the media says so or your friends say so, sexy comes from the word sex so if you want to be displaying an image that causes men to see you in that way than look in your wardrobe and see just what needs to go. To my brothers try calling her gentle, beautiful, gorgeous, kind.

Peace and love.xx

5 months before I hit 30!!

2011-09-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

5 months before I hit 30!!

Ok so i'm five months away from turning 30. Yikes...... I cant actually belive i've been living on planet earth (most of the time) for this long. Most people feel down and depressed about growing older but im learning to live life and take it by the horns!! At the start of the year I created an interesting list of things I want to do before the big turn of the decade starts. So here it is.

1. Bake something

2.Travel to the US for my birthday (at least 2 weeks)

3. Goto the cinema by myself (never done that before)

4. have a health spa day

5. Visit the theatre

6. Visit a new town/city in the uk

7. Finish and release my 2nd album

So there you have it just a few things I wanted to personally achieve. I think in life you must count the experiences along the way not just the destination. I am thankful to God for the trials and the joys these 29 have brought me and im ready to see what the next 30 will hold. Watch this space and keep living.xx

The countdown begins!!

2011-08-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

How r ya. I hope your well, and that you've enjoyed the great bouts of sunshine we've been having. Well I promised you a new blog, so here it is! I can hardly believe were already in August, what a super fast year we've been having. So many things have been happening in the Ni-Cola Ministries camp!! In the run up to our European tour and Album release we want to keep you in the know as much as possible!

So 1st things first, have you checked out our new EPK. Here's where if you think I'm a serious person you'll find I'm just a tad bit crazy too:-) Enjoy and please share/like/comment on the link with your family and friends, its good stuff!

Ok so big things are going down! This week we were out in a few town centres myself and the "Better Days" tour promo team, performing songs and telling people about the tour, It was absolutely brilliant and we had such a great response from the people. We visited Manchester (market street) and Blackpool. This week we'll be in stockport and Leeds! Come check us out.

Ok so some of you guys have been asking about the album?
I've been silenced by my team but I think you deserve a bit of a heads up so here we go.

Who have you collaborated with?

The album is a collection of several musical genres some expected and some well, not!
We have some great artists who I love and respect on the album.

Frank Ademoye of (Nu Soul)
Gyamma
Guvna B
Tunday

I know what you're thinking they're all guys, I know ladies I'm sorry it just kinda happened that way.

So when will you be releasing the track listings?

Soon guys next week I promise!

Were also launching a brand new website, I am so excited after previewing it yesterday, it is top class and very interactive. Well b letting you know the launch date for this soon! Also in line with the web launch we'll be giving a way a free single, a house remix of "War Cry", taken of "My passion His heart" album! Look out for that.

Anything else?

Oh yes we have a new minibus that we'll be taking on the tour with us! If you see us on the road send us a message, you cant miss it he he!!

Till next week, Gods Blessings, love Ni-Cola.x

Just under 8 Weeks to go

2011-07-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, its been an eventful week so far. I'm sat here writing this blog and what I'd really like is some Jamaican lamb chops with rice ad peas, drenched in gravy...Somebody say mmmmm. Oh well until 5.30 its just a dream. So what has been happening guys, how are ya? I hope life is going well with each and everyone one of you, and know that we are regularly praying for you. OK so whats the 411 on the Tour/Album you ask?

Getting the hair right!

The Make-Up

Last week we went to Leeds for our photo/video shoot. We had such a great time, wearing crazy outfits and loads and loads a make-up n lashes. Yes I SAID IT! Miss Au naturelle put on the fake lashes, but we may just have to photo shop them out...He he. This time round we went for a very different image that may surprise/shock some of you but still its all Ni-Cola!

On a different note today I have been writing new content for our brand new website...Yes were launching a brand new spanking site in August. We're so excited and today we had a sneak preview, I must say its looking great!
This week is our last studio session finishing of some of the tracks for the album, it is sounding really great guys you are so gonna love it.

Plans are also going well for the BDT, Yesterday London got booked onto the tour. If you or someone you know is interested in hosting a leg there are a few spaces left, pls don't leave it until the last minute to be disappointed!

So things to look out for: Our new EPK Coming this month
Auditions:for singers/dancers http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=245353598812365 for our forthcoming events and tour. This Saturday!!!
Promo month-This month were promoting the tour at several events in the UK-Hope to c u there.
Album release info/collaborations/features/Album title/Track listing/Pre-order-Coming soon

Love ya long time your girl Ni-Cola. x

Summer or not the sunshine is shining in my heart!

2011-06-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, girls, gents, ladies. I hope that your feeling great and anticipating a great week ahead. I'm sat in the busy office alongside my colleague doing all things "BETTER DAYS TOUR"! With just over 10 weeks to go before our 1st date kicks off on the 2nd of September at a secret location, to be revealed. This week is a very exciting and busy one, not only are we still booking dates in the diary but tomorrow we go shopping (yay) says all the ladies to hunt for those extra special album swagger items, you know I just cannot wait! On Friday we head down to the studios to record some more tunes for ya'll (American accent) he he he. There are some songs on the album that i know ur just gonna fall in love with.

On Saturday we fly back down to Manchester for an appearance at a special event. And hopefully they'll be no delays. I would like to thank everyone of you for your support throughout the life of this ministry it truly is noted. please continue to help promote the tour in your area,and if your church isn't booked onto, holla at your pastor. NOW!!!

Please also check out this website to find out about the albums progress, these guys also funded our project!

http://gospelalbum.ourchildrenschildren.co.uk/

Video clip of me preforming "Breakthrough".

Till next time..."BETTER DAYS ARE COMING!

Lights, Camera, Action!

2011-06-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hey guys another update/opportunity for the right individual, we need to create n capture my image for this next album and were looking for an amazing talented photographer. Having worked with award winning photographers this is not for the average but for the candid, funky 2012 individual with that creative edge.
Were on the lookout for up-coming photographers, funky edgy/great eye/captivating-for our next photoshoot! (Album artwork) web project! If interested n in need of a groundbreaking project opportunity inbox us!

e:bookings@ni-cola.com

Progress Progress!

2011-06-08T04:02:00.000-07:00

Hey guys its midweek wednesday. I hope you guys are all doing fine, and if not "Better days" are coming, no pun intended! Today we're off to a meeting in Liverpool regarding the tour! Over the last coupkle days we have finalised the Tour set list which i must say is looking fab. Lots of new songs from the new album but we havent forgotten your favourites! We have also started storyboarding the album artwork in preparation for our photoshoot in the coming weeks. If your a budding photographer or videographer and you have what it takes, get in touch you might be blessed enough to have your first major project!

Tell us which songs you'd like to hear on the tour, and lets see if you can name all our band members!

Till next time.

Love ya's! Adios.x

The countdown is on!

2011-06-06T04:17:00.000-07:00

Its a gloomy monday, but don't let that stop you from doing your thing. Whether thats working in the office, being the best at your craft, being a homemaker. Serve like its your last chance. With that in mind its just under 12 weeks until THE BETTER DAYS TOUR KICKS OFF. After a good chat with a close friend we were trying to figure out how we can keep u updated with all things BDT! (BETTER DAYS TOUR).
On my blog I'll be updating you on new developments/ ups/downs hopefully more ups/ Wardrobe choices, photoshoots/band rehearsals/song choices/ surprises and all things to do with the tour, so if your looking forward to seeing us in your city, keep upto date via our blog page. Join the fun NOW!

Interview with Ni-Cola Title-“Why I’m still single”

2010-11-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

Interview with Ni-Cola Title-“Why I’m still single”

Pathfinder Church RCCG

Artist name: Ni-Cola
Real name: Nicola
Favourite food: Jamaican jerk pork
Age: 28
Marital status: Single

Interviewer: why the differentiation in the spelling or pronunciation of your name?

Ni-Cola: this question always arises, firstly my mother was Jamaican, and the way she pronounced my name was with a Jamaican phrasing to it. However my whole life people would call me the British way “Nicola” as in Nic-hu –ler. When I reached college I decided I’ve had enough of being called the wrong name and from then I started correcting people. At first it was irritating but now most people call me Ni-Cola, years of hard work but definitely worth it.

Interviewer: So why did you change the way it was spelt?

Ni-Cola: When I started my music ministry, when comperes would introduce me they would always get it wrong, it was kind of embarrassing and so we played with a lot of ideas and the best one we found was “Ni-Cola” and it’s worked pretty well so far.

Interviewer: So you’re a Gospel singer, what exactly does that mean?

Ni-Cola: Well I wouldn’t exactly say that, when I first started in 2004 then yes that’s what I was known as, but as I’ve grown in this thing, whatever it is, it has become very difficult to categorise it. When I say it, I mean when I first began to minister on stages in front of different audiences at first I thought it was about performing, doing your best to engage the crowd, winning them to Jesus hopefully. After say a year or so, a holy frustration built up inside me where I’d be singing and God would be prompting me inside to speak, prophesy to the people. I was quite afraid at first, I knew this was not the thing to do, especially when someone has invited you to come and sing. So now I tell people who invite me i'm coming but I don’t know what will happen. Don’t blame me, blame God. As a minister of music I simply share the Gospel message though my music, the word in teaching or preaching, mentoring others and discipling, that’s what I really do.

Interviewer: Who or what are your main influences?

Ni-Cola: I get my inspiration from my relationship with God. If I didn’t have that to be honest I don’t know what else would be worth singing about. Also I listen to other musicians. On my ipod right now, I have been listening to Donnie Mclurkin, Da Truth, Jahaziel, Mary mary to name a few. I also draw inspiration from the people around me and their lives the good and the bad. It can all make a relative story.

Interviewer:What do you do when your not singing, how do you have fun?

Ni-Cola: Well i’m a very chilled out person so I don’t need much to have a good time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I looove to cook a good family meal. I love to watch good films , normally ones based on true stories, and just hanging out in general.

Interviewer: So you’re still single, why?

Ni-Cola: First of all I see singleness as a blessing not the way a lot of young people see it nowadays. I find I meet so many young people desperate to get married and are not even committed to Jesus their current husband. I see it as a blessing because if I was married right now then I probably wouldn’t be doing this interview right now, I wouldn’t be able to minister throughout the world because my priorities could be somewhat different. I believe in everything that your relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in a believer’s life. Marriage is awesome if that’s what you desire and what God has planned for you, but one doesn’t have to be so desperate that you hitch up with Mr wrong and spend your life hoping he dies quickly so you can remarry and not have to divorce him. Don’t get me wrong I will get married some day and it will be my choice to, but right now I’m happy living my life for Christ and encouraging others to celebrate. So ladies cheer up, the best is yet to come, he will find you, if your positioned to be found, and brothers keep seeking the face of God, because He that findeth a wife findeth a good thing.

Interviewer: What advice would you give a young person who felt like giving up on God?

Ni-Cola: We’ve all either been there or will eventually get to that place. It’s normal with all the crazy stuff we have to cope with on this journey we call life. The bible is a collection of history and prophecy where we see men rise and fall, but the difference between people is the ones who have just enough strength, just enough sense, just enough courage, just enough hope. To get back up again. I have been to this cross roads at many stages throughout my life, and almost died as a result, one thing I realised is that God never ever gives up on you. He is the one who will say yes when others speak no. He is the one who has allowed you to still be breathing all these years. If you want to see a change in your life then you have to stick around to see it. There is nothing in the world that will bring joy or peace just temporary happiness. Jesus said in the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.

Interviewer: So we hear you have just released 2 new singles with collaborations from Guvna B, AND Tunday.

Ni-Cola: Wow yes my new singles “Breakthrough” and “After the rain” have just come out at the end of January; it’s so exciting right now, because people are really getting the songs, not just musically but spiritually and lyrically. When you write songs as a minister you don’t just want people to enjoy it, you want the power of the Holy Ghost to bring truth, bring change, healings, everything really. That’s my prayer through my music that peoples lives will be changed and that ultimately salvation will come.

Interviewer: So where can we get the singles and whats next for Ni-Cola in 2010.

Ni-Cola: The singles are available on Itunes/Napster/Emusic and all good digital stores. Also if I minister at an event near you then we have limited cd’s available also. We are currently working on my 2nd album. I feel through my five years of ministry I have learnt so much as an artist, both musically and ministerially, so this album should really reflect the growth that has taken place within me. I have seen God do many great things throughout this journey and look forward to what he will do this year. I’m also mentoring this year which has been a blessing to share my knowledge and gifts with others and is really where you see the multiplication. Ni-Cola has a lot of things planned for this year but doesn’t want to give it all away so check out her website to keep up to date.

Interviewer: I hear you have just returned from Touring in Germany?

Ni-Cola: Yes we had a powerful time, sharing the Gospel with the Germans, to think so many years ago Hitler was doing all sorts in that nation and now I’m there spreading the Good news, God is good. We met so many awesome people and worked with a ministry called Victory outreach Düsseldorf, a church plant in the heart of Düsseldorf, they are doing a great work in the church and local area, and it was great to be a part of it. The only thing when you tour though its so tiring, people think oh yes a shopping trip, but everything was constant, we had no time for shopping, (Ni-Cola laughs).

Interviewer: Well Ni-Cola it has been a pleasure hearing what God is doing, any final words to your fans.

Ni-Cola: Keep supporting me guys, all we want to do is make Jesus Christ famous, it takes more than just me to do that it takes all of us. Keep the ministry in prayer, support us at events, buy the cd’s and more importantly stay close to Jesus.

Love Ni-Cola

Follow Ni-Cola on Facebook/Twitter/myspace.com/ni-colaministries
To financially support Ni-Colaministries please email us at info@ni-cola.com
For bookings:email-bookings@ni-cola.com
Website: www.ni-cola.com

Thebritsrcomingtour4accordingtoNi-Cola

2010-11-10T11:59:00.000-08:00

Day 1-Thurs 14th Oct 2010

So the day starts at 4:00 am when the alarm clock i had set only an hour ago decides to ring off. That's the fastest nights sleep I've ever had. Bags half packed still dreaming about my beloved snooze button, but I know I gots ta go. 5.30 am Chan and Joe come to get me, starry eyes and bushy tailed we gaze at the amount of suitcases between two 21st century women!

Today I realised that I've overcome a huge hurdle in my life. For the last 7 years I've mourned the death of my mum. A pain would normally surround our home when the brown autumn leaves fell from the trees but this year, this month this day, I'm at peace. Thanks you Lord for setting me free from sorrow. It's truly a new season. I thought the flight was just 8 hrs to now hear we have another 3 and a half to go and a connecting flight. Still the British are on our ways. Peace n love.

Ni-Cola

Friday 2.37pm

Sound check just eaten a beautiful lunch lots of fish, now about to sound check for our 1st gig!

3.38pm

Just finished sound check feel like crying. God has done so much in my life. I'm just so grateful I'm sat in the grounds of the 1st black university in the USA listening to the students chatter looking at hat God has done here and amazed by all this.

Day 3

Just arrived at a "fish fry" (American fish party). I've met a lovely lady who is almost 90 years old who looks in her 70's. What's so amazing is this woman's great grandmother was born in Africa and then came to America. This lady's wrinkles I can count on my hand. I'm so blessed to hear all these great stories and to know God is doing so many great things all over the world. I am truly blessed. Thank you Jesus!

Day 4

Totally exhausted sitting on my bed after doing 3 event today. I gave it my all. This trip is just too much. Someone gave me a bracelet today they had made it especially for each of u. I received a word of Prophecy about the anointing on me and Gods plan for me. I really believe this trip i doing more than I could imagine. Gotta get up at 2am to catch a flight to Baltimore. Had a lot of jokes today! We met two dancers they were twins and they also had downs syndrome.They were known as the Hicks twins (the first black down syndrome twins I'd ever seen). They were beautiful women. They inspired me so much, and they told me they would pray for me and make up a dance to my CD. I just wanted to love them, God is more than good, you're too awesome Jesus!

Day 7

Sat waiting in the tour bus for Chan and Debs to go to our 1st gig in 3 days. We've had lots of travelling and a bit of a break. This tour has been o much jokes my tummy has been doing somersaults. I'm quietly excited about tonight, to see what Gods gonna do, believing for breakthrough and the oil of joy.

Day 12

Not written in a few days. It's been so busy, were still in Baltimore. We've played at several churches, universities, concerts and its been o much fun. The people have been very open and receptive. There are some fantastic churches here in the states. I'm in the kitchen with Debs, n Jayess is chilling in the living room, its been great hanging out with the gang. Tomorrow were off, so lets see what happens, then we head to Ohio for the last leg of the tour.

Day 18

Its 1.11am USA time and 5.11 UK time and the tour has finally come to an end. I'm sat on the aeroplane thinking about work and all the things I have to do once I get back home. I feel so blessed to have been a part of this powerful britsrcoming tour. Our final show last night was awesome, we all gave as artists 110% It was great to have Ohio as our last stop. I feel quietly excited with the things God is doing, and privileged to serve Him in this way. Lord i give you my heart, I give you my soul and I live for you alone, every breath that I take every moment I'm awake, Lord have you way in me. I cant wait to see all my family and my church.