ABOUT NAKIA

Nakia is an influential queer artist in the Austin music scene and beyond, captivating audiences worldwide with his commanding and soulful voice for over 20 years. He was a semi-finalist on The Voice where he quickly became the fan-favorite of season one. He has shared stages with legendary performers such as Alejandro Escovedo, Sharon Jones, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, and The Muppets.

 

Nakia is deeply respected for his contributions to the Austin music scene and his dedication to community service. When the pandemic hit, his commitment to his community shone brightly as he played a pivotal role in creating emergency relief for Austin’s musicians and venues. His tireless advocacy earned him the title of “Local Legend” from Matthew McConaughey.

 

Recently, Nakia has expanded his creative horizons, venturing into composing for film and TV. He also co-wrote and recorded a 15-song musical, Dueling Pianos, with Joshua R. Pangborn. As a three-time Recording Academy Texas Board Governor and former founding president of Austin Texas Musicians, Nakia continues to be a leading queer voice in the industry.

 

Nakia has written with some of music’s biggest writers including Chris Seefried, Aris Archontis, and the late Lamont Dozier. Nakia’s recent musical endeavors showcase his versatility and artistic evolution. In 2022, he released an EP featuring five unique versions of his song Unstoppable, including Grammy-winning remixes by Dave Audé, each accompanied by its own music video. In 2023, he released Thrill-O-Matic, a genre-blending single co-written with renowned songwriters Andy Stochansky and Jamie Hartman. The song’s innovative fusion of pop, rock, and soul—paired with a high-profile production team—garnered significant acclaim, becoming the second most-played local song on Austin’s Sun Radio, where Nakia is now on the air as a DJ four nights a week.

 

Nakia’s highly anticipated new album, Signal, is set for release on May 30, 2025. Drawing inspiration from 80s synth-rock, the album showcases his multifaceted talent as a writer, performer, and producer. Since May 2024, Nakia has been steadily releasing singles from the album, with more to come leading up to the full release. His new band, Nakia & The Never Not Now, holds a residency at one of Austin’s hottest clubs, C-Boy’s Heart & Soul on South Congress, delivering electrifying live performances to local and visiting music fans alike.

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Nakia lives in Austin with his husband of 23 years, Robert, and their Bouvier des Flandres, Baker. He continues to inspire through his musical versatility, community leadership, and relentless creativity.