Nico D is one of Europe’s most exciting new acts on the reggae-scene, emerging from one of Norway’s leading sound systems, Jah Ark Manifest. He was born Nicolas Albert Holter, in Sevres, just north of Paris on January 27th, 1982. Blessed with an international upbringing, traveling from country to country every three years, he finally settled down in Oslo, Norway in 2002. Shaped by the different cultures he was exposed to as a youth, Nico D started his career as a reggae singer soon after, releasing the singles “Legaliser” (Raggabalder) in 2003 and “Kela” (PassIt Records) with rapper Cast in 2005, which was a big hit in Norway. Nico also featured on countless songs with local Norwegian artists, creating a reputation for singing catchy choruses.

Working tirelessly for years to perfect his craft, Nico released a mixtape (“To the World”) with his Jah Ark colleague and longtime friend Admiral P in 2008, which sent a wave of Norwegian reggae onto the local urban music scene. But it wasn’t before 2009 that he gained international recognition with his smash hit “Ruff Times” featuring Jah Mason, a song that topped the reggae charts in Jamaica as well as in the United States. Nico went on to perform at some of Jamaica’s top festivals (Rebel Salute, Teen Splash, Dancehall JAMJAM and more) giving him experience and confidence on an international level. The success of “Ruff Times” led to massive media attention at home, with the song being playlisted on national radio in Norway, thus creating the base he needed to establish himself as a respected solo-artist locally. Nico D was now touring Norway with Admiral P and Jah Ark Manifest, spreading a message of love and unity through reggae music. The movement gained momentum, as his single “Star” was subsequently playlisted on national radio, as well as “Soul Searching” and “Grow” in the months leading up to the release of his critically acclaimed debut album “Coming in from the Cold” (JAM Promotion/Knirckefritt/EMI, March 2012). The album features a range of well respected Jamaican artists and musicians like Turbulence, Lutan Fyah, Jah Mason, Dean Fraser and more…

Since then, Nico has been heard on several international riddim compilations (Longtime Riddim, Feel Good Riddim, 911 Riddim, Worldwide Love Riddim etc…) and has now started his own label “Northern Light”. The first single coming out is “Diamonds in the Rough”, slated for release on June 17th 2013. More and more people are catching on to his unique voice and vibe, and they can expect Nico D to make a real impact on the international reggae scene in the years to come, Jah willing.

Source – All Music Guide