Monique Nikkole: The Many Sides of “New York Strong”

When you hear “New York Strong,” it’s impossible not to think of Monique Nikkole—a living testament to the city’s spirit of resilience and reinvention. Grammy-nominated and celebrated, Monique wears many crowns: singer, songwriter, marathon runner, real estate investor, lifestyle and fitness entrepreneur, concert promoter, and founder of her own music imprint. Her accolades include an honorary doctorate and the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, but her story is defined by relentless ambition and a refusal to be boxed in. Monique isn’t just an artist—she’s an enterprise.

This fall, Monique is set to unveil her next chapter with the highly anticipated EP, Enigmatic, dropping under her own CoCo Tunes Publishing INC label. The project features bold singles like “Red Bottoms & Lingerie,” “Queen of the Hustle,” “If What I Feel Is Real,” and the upcoming “We Are One,” slated for release on September 26th. Reflecting on her latest single, Monique shares, “‘We Are One’ is a reimagining of the classic Frankie Beverly anthem we all grew up hearing at family reunions. It brought me so much joy that I had to put a fresh spin on it—infused with that infectious New Orleans Bounce. It’s uplifting, motivational, and has that stepper-party vibe that brings people together.”

The title Enigmatic is more than a name; it’s a statement of identity. “I’ve often been called an enigma—an eclectic artist with many musical and fashion styles. The ‘Enig’ in the title represents that mystery and multifaceted nature of who I am,” Monique explains. “‘Matic’ comes from my deeply rooted Hip-Hop beginnings in Canarsie–East Flatbush. That energy and foundation still live within my soul today. Prismatic—multi-sided, yet whole. Put the two together, and you get Enigmatic: a perfect reflection of both me and this body of work.”

As Monique Nikkole continues to break boundaries and redefine what it means to be a modern artist and entrepreneur, Enigmatic promises to be her most revealing and dynamic project yet. Stay tuned—Monique’s next era is just getting started, and she’s bringing all of New York’s strength with her.