Nigar Jamal

Early Life

Nigar "Nikki" Aydin qizi Jamal was born on September 7, 1980, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Growing up in a vibrant cultural environment, she developed a passion for music early on. In 1997, she enrolled at Khazar University, where she majored in economics and management, completing three out of four years. Before pursuing her singing career, Jamal spent five years as a housewife, during which she drew inspiration from renowned artists like Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys.

Career

Jamal's musical journey took a significant turn when she participated in the Azerbaijani national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest in December 2010. Competing under the pseudonym Ell & Nikki alongside Eldar Gasimov, they won the contest in 2011 with their song "Running Scared," which garnered a total of 221 points. This victory not only marked a milestone in her career but also led to widespread recognition, including the issuance of commemorative postage stamps in Azerbaijan celebrating their win.

Following Eurovision, Jamal continued to build her career, releasing her first solo song "Crush on You" in December 2011. She also made appearances in various media, including a role in the Turkish comedy series "Yahşi Cazibe" and served as a jury member for the Danish national selection for Eurovision in 2012. Her contributions to music have earned her accolades, including an honorary diploma from the President of Azerbaijan Republic, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the pop and R&B genres.