“I’m not trying to fit into a box” says Nicole Blakk, as she reflects on how London’s diversity has brought her where she is now. Seamlessly blending English, French and Punjabi from her multicultural upbringing with a variety of genres and rich textures, Nicole is the rising artist carving out her very own space to shine.
From navigating sticky situationships, to finding her own self-worth (one that’s not reliant on a man), Nicole’s story is one many young women will resonate with, using music as an outlet to put into words a journey that feels all too familiar. Through thoughtful lyricism and effortless charm, Nicole creates music that will show you how to confidently and unapologetically take up the space you deserve.
Released in the height of the World Cup buzz, Nicole’s new single ‘Saka (Lemme Know),’ sees her celebrate football culture while exploring London identity, and the importance of having your own security. Following a spectacular showcase at Boxpark Shoreditch to mark the release, Nicole shares a specially curated World Cup themed playlist for Noctis, featuring her favourite Congolese, French and British artists.
Beyond that, Nicole’s music is becoming a space for women and girls to challenge the social structures that try to limit us. Catching up with Noctis, Nicole opens up about collaborating with Dave on track ‘Fairchild,’ and the importance of calling out the day-to-day challenges women face, particularly those we are expected to remain silent on.
Saka (Lemme Know) is your summer anthem celebrating London football identity and feminine experience. What does this song represent to you artistically?
Artistically, Saka (Lemme Know) is an anthem for security – not just in relationships, but in life. It’s a demand for the respect that comes with clarity and honesty, something I’ve learned to prioritise after navigating my fair share of ‘blurry’ situations. I wanted to root this in London football culture because it mirrors my own journey. Being the only girl in my PE class at Westfield Academy for four years, I was constantly forced to prove I belonged in that space. That was where I first realised I didn’t need permission to exist where I wanted to be. Today, as I navigate a male-dominated music industry, that same mindset applies. This song is about merging those worlds: celebrating a sport I love while affirming that I (and anyone listening) deserve to take up space unapologetically.
Saka (Lemme Know) is all about reclaiming your standards, what do you want listeners to take from this song?
I want listeners to take their power back. Saka (Lemme Know) is a shout-out to anyone who’s tired of the ‘blurry’ situations and wants to start prioritising their own peace. It’s about knowing your value, setting your boundaries, and having the confidence to say, “I won’t chase, I just replace.” It’s about reclaiming that control and feeling absolutely fine about it.
Why is Saka an inspiration for you as a London-bred artist?
For me, Saka is the ultimate blueprint. I’m inspired by how he handles massive pressure while staying completely grounded and true to his roots. Growing up feeling like I constantly had to prove myself, I had to learn to hold my own in rooms where I wasn’t always expected to be. Watching him do the same on the world stage, commanding his space with such clarity and consistency, is a constant reminder that my background is my power. Saka (Lemme Know) is about channeling that exact energy: knowing your value, setting high standards, and refusing to settle for anything less.
Your style has always been a blur of genres. What influenced this individual identity?
Growing up, I moved around a lot, so I never felt tied to just one scene or one sound. Being from Watford but moving between different environments meant I was always absorbing new influences, whether it was the gritty energy of the city or the more laid-back pockets of the outskirts. My sound is a ‘blur’ because my life has been fluid. I don’t see genres as boundaries; I see them as a palette. I’m not trying to fit into a box; I’m using every sound I’ve picked up along the way to build a lane that’s uniquely mine.
One of your earliest songs was a diss track following a bad breakup. How did this introduction to writing impact your lyricism now?
That first track was honestly just me processing raw frustration – it was a pure, unfiltered reaction. Writing it taught me that music is the ultimate tool for reclaiming your narrative, but it also taught me the power of control. Back then, the writing was all about the other person; it was about the breakup. Now, my lyricism is about me. I’ve moved from writing at people to writing from a place of self-assuredness. I still keep that same edge and that ‘no-nonsense’ honesty, but I’ve traded the reactive venting for a more calculated, empowered way of telling my story. Whether it’s football, relationships, or the industry, I’m not just calling things out anymore…I’m setting my own standards and defining what I’m willing to accept. That early experience was just the start of me learning to own my voice.
Continuing with this theme of feminine experience, there’s a striking quote in your track with Dave ‘Fairchild’ which reads: “If you ain’t a girl, I guess you don’t know the feeling of watching what you wear because you’re worried ‘bout making it home.” Why did music feel like the right platform for you to explore these, often painful, female experiences?
Music feels like the only place where I could be truly honest about these things. In everyday life, you’re often taught to just “get on with it,” to watch your back or manage how you present yourself just to stay safe. You end up internalising all that tension. Fairchild wasn’t just about venting; it was about taking those unspoken realities and making them impossible to ignore. I’m so happy that people hear it and feel seen, but also to recognise that these shouldn’t be the standard experiences for women. I’m so grateful to Dave to have given me the platform to be loud about things that society usually expects us to keep quiet.
Now, turning to language, you mix English, French and Punjabi very fluidly in your lyrics, how did this writing style come about?
Honestly, it came about because that’s exactly how my head works. Growing up in Watford, being a mix of cultures, I never thought in just one language. Whether I’m at home, on the streets, or in the studio, I’m constantly code-switching between and moving between English, French, and Punjabi. It felt unnatural to limit my lyrics to just one language when my life and my identity are so clearly multifaceted. Mixing them isn’t a gimmick; it’s the most authentic way to represent me. It allows me to tap into different emotional textures and the directness of English, the melody of French, or the deep, percussive rhythm of Punjabi. It’s just who I am, so it’s how I write.
How do you feel this multi-lingual and genre-fluid approach reflects the London you were raised in?
My sound is exactly what London sounds like right now. Growing up here, you aren’t just hearing one thing – you’re hearing rap, R&B, Afrobeats, and the influence of Punjabi culture all on the same street corner. Being able to move through those genres isn’t about confusion; it’s about being versatile. Whether I’m rapping, leaning into a soulful R&B melody, or bringing in those rhythmic Afro and Punjabi textures, I’m pulling from the different parts of my life and the city I was raised in. It’s all one language to me – the language of where I’m from.
What has been the most unbelievable moment in your career so far?
I would definitely say being on the track with Dave. That was a moment I’ll treasure for life. Another moment that I still can’t get over would be when I opened for Lady Leshurr, she is definitely one of my favourite artists and I respect her highly. I still fangirl over her.
What are your plans for the rest of 2026? What can fans expect from you?
I would say, music. Expect so much more music. I have been creating and writing so much and I’m so excited to share.
And lastly, who is your dream artist to collaborate with and why?
Doechii, as I see so much of myself in her. Working with her would be a dream come true. And Lady Leshurr, she’s amazing and someone I’ve looked up to for so long. I have always listened to her music from the age of 11 and she’s definitely an inspiration and would also be a dream to collaborate with.
Follow Nicole Blakk on Instagram
Words: Midnight Adams
Photography: Zak Watson
Styling: Alexia Read