Shawntoni Ajanee Nichols, also known as Mamii, is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for her contributions to Beyoncé album Cowboy Carter, co-writing ¥$ single "Talking", as well as her contributions to Kehlani album Crash.[1][2] She is currently signed to Roc Nation.[3]
In addition to her work behind the scenes, Nichols is also a solo artist blending R&B, jazz, and funk-rock.[4] She is influenced by Prince, Jacob Collier, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, Frank Ocean, Willow Smith, and more.[5][6][7][8]
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, Kirk Franklin, and gospel vocal group Take 6.[8]
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[s]". "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."[5] A deluxe version of the project (titled Black Phoenix: The Rebirth) was released several months later with three additional tracks.[6]
Discography
Studio albums
- Black Phoenix (2021)
- Black Phoenix: The Rebirth (2021)
Extended Plays
- 18 (2019)
- Not an EP (2019)
- Phantasmagoria (2024)
Guest Appearances
| Title | Year | Artist | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "So Good" (Background Vocals) | 2019 | Omar Apollo | Friends |
| "Nonchalant" | 2022 | Westside Boogie | More Black Superheroes |
| "Float" | |||
| "Somethin Strange" (w/ Kalan.FrFr.) | |||
| "CYBAH" (w/ Lucky Daye) (Background Vocals) | Syd | Broken Hearts Club | |
| "Pulp Jam" | 2023 | Cruza | Paranoia Pack |
| "Chapel" (Background Vocals) | 2024 | Kehlani | Crash |
Selected songwriting & production credits
| Title | Year | Artist | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Prideful II" | 2022 | Westside Boogie | More Black Superheroes |
| "Anthony (War)" | |||
| "Fast Car" | Syd | Broken Hearts Club | |
| "Sweet" | |||
| "Out Loud (feat. Kehlani) | |||
| "My Rose" | 2024 | Beyoncé | Cowboy Carter |
| "Bodyguard" | |||
| "Flamenco" | |||
| "Talking" | ¥$ | Vultures 1 | |
| "GrooveTheory" | Kehlani | Crash | |
| "Sucia" (featuring Jill Scott and Young Miko) | |||
| "Love Like" | While We Wait 2 | ||
| "Let Me Down" (San Diego Interlude) | |||
| "Ballin'" | |||
| "I Used To" (featuring Baby Rose) | Leon Thomas | Mutt |
References
- ^ St Félix, Doreen (April 1, 2024). "Beyoncé Won't Burn Down the Barn with "Cowboy Carter"". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on February 23, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
- ^ Ahlgrim, Callie. "Beyoncé worked with a variety of artists to make 'Cowboy Carter.' Here are 12 collaborators you may have missed". Business Insider. Archived from the original on May 20, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
- ^ "Mamii - Roc Nation". Archived from the original on December 25, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
- ^ Newstead, Al; Marshman, Janine (April 4, 2024). "Cowboy Carter came together with a little help from Beyoncé's many friends". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
- ^ a b Lloyd, Amelia (March 8, 2021). "Mamii - Black Phoeniix". Clash. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
- ^ a b Amstad, Josephine (September 16, 2021). "Mamii Delivers Deluxe Version of 'Black Phoeniix'". Notion. Archived from the original on April 16, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
- ^ "Q&A: Mamii Creates Soulful, Heartfelt Genreless Tunes As A Space To Reflect & Grow". The Luna Collective. Archived from the original on January 14, 2025. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
- ^ a b "Mamii". Sofar Sounds. Archived from the original on December 25, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
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