Nakeiltha Nikki Campbell

Nakeiltha A. Campbell a.k.a “Nikki”- percussionist, teaching artist, producer and performer whose work promotes empowerment through the celebration of African cultural heritage. Born in Colon, Panama, and raised Southern California. Nikki uses drumming to express her unique Afro Caribbean Panamanian lineage, extend a legacy of women drumming in the African diasporic traditions, and celebrate the intense study of rhythm. Introduced to drumming through the Mandinka traditions, Nikki is rooted in a diverse repertoire including West African dun-duns, Djembe, Congas, Cuban Bata, and African American soul flavors, which she interweaves to create her unique sound. For the past ten years, Nikki has worked professionally as an artist and teaching artist to share her talent and knowledge with young public school students, women drummers from across the USA, and the people of her home country.

She considers herself fortunate to study and work with a wide variety of local and international artist such as Mamady Keita (T.T.M Drum School) Kahlil Cummings, Robertito Melendez latin percussion school. A recipient award winner to study West African drumming with Aboubakar Kouyate through the Alliance for California Traditional Arts.

Her recording experience includes African drums in the theme song featured film "Let the games begin" produce by Aloe Blacc, as well for Kendrick Lamar track for his historic performance "Alright" at the Grammy Awards. The Rebirth Album Being thru the Eyes of a Child, Chocolate (on the coco farm) by Maya Jupiter and Adaawe.

Nikki currently tours with Lila Downs, and toured with Les Amazones "The Women Master Drummers of Guinea", Viver Brasil dance company, Adaawe, and The Rebirth. Performed with world renown artist Stevie Wonder, Aloe Blacc and Jose Gonzales.

Performed at the NAACP Image Awards with Will I AM, the 53rd Grammy Award with Rihanna, American Idol with Janelle Monae & Jidenna, Additionally, recorded an introduction to percussion video with Kids for Sesame Street for Latin Heritage Month. Performed for the World Culture KCET Women in Jazz celebration, and the Annual Palm Springs Woman Jazz Festival.

In 2015, Nikki founded “Puentes de Poder”, a cross cultural exchange program that promotes empowerment and unity through music. Project has traveled to Costa Rica and Panama to teach, perform, and present music as a form of cultural history and continuity. Nikki is a recipient of the Ambassador Award presented by Los Angeles Viva Panama Organization for her contribution to the educational and musical fields. Nikki supports and encourages people of all ages, genders, and nationalities to explore percussion as a means of understanding cultural identity/history, interconnectedness, self expression and collaboration.

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