EP Review: The Lick Back by Nikita Kering

The Lick Back by Nikita Kering

The other day, during one of our usual rant sessions, my friend said, “Employers really think I’m Nikita Kering. Natoa wapi 10 years of experience at the tender age of 25?” At that moment, I knew she was cultured. AKA, she watches Mic Cheque Pod. But more importantly, let’s talk about Nikita Kering. Truth be told, many of us have been watching Nikita long before we knew that we would be having conversations about her as one of Kenya's top contemporary artists. Before the awards, the charts and the sold-out performances, she was just a little girl whose voice seemed to be everywhere. I mean everywhere; radio, TV, weddings and even on stages. In many ways, she has never really been introduced to us. We simply watched her grow up in our very eyes. Which is perhaps why the new release feels like discovering a new artist.

Recently, Nikita released an EP, The Lick Back, and you’ll agree with me that there’s nothing as exciting as getting a long-form project from an artist you have been anticipating to hear from for a verrrrry long time. Now I’m not saying Nikita kept us waiting, but I’m also not saying she didn’t.

“Flow state” is the phrase I would use to describe whatever state of mind Nikita and Sofiya Nzau were in when creating the intro. And honestly, that should tell you everything you need to know about The Lick Back. I could end this review here and you’d probably be convinced to listen to it, but I still have a lot to say.

The Intro (yes, we are still talking about it) reminded me of so many things musically. It took me back to a particular sound I had heard from Elsy Wameyo. It also reminded me of the first song we all probably heard from Sofiya. Good call to Nikita on the collab. Most importantly, though, it made my heart swell with pride and fulfillment. Hearing Nandi and Kikuyu blend so seamlessly while remaining perfectly in rhythm sounded…spiritual. It was a beautiful reminder of how rich our musical identities are when we allow them to coexist.

I must confess: I love hearing Nikita Kering sing in Kiswahili. Then again, now that I think about it, I probably enjoy hearing her sing in any language. The second track, Niwache, delivers exactly what its title promises. A lover-girl anthem about letting go and honestly, kama hunitaki, si uniwache tu, ama?

Given Nairobi’s current dating scene, I already know a lot of girlies are going to sing this one with their whole chest.

But The Lick Back has something for the non-lovers too.

You know that feeling when you’re trying to grind your way out of the block and someone keeps trying to drag you back in? There’s a song for that as well. Give Me My Money, the EP’s third track, is fueled by frustration, determination, and just the right amount of menace. With the level of emotion Nikita pours into it, whoever owes her needs to pay up before they find out the hard way. The best thing about making an artist feel something that deeply is that the fans end up eating well and that’s exactly what Give Me My Money delivers.

The fourth track on the EP is Outside. Which is exactly where this song should find you. Not begging someone to respond to the messages you sent hours ago. You are young, hot and turnt darling. Also, I think Nikita has an ick for late responders.

Sema Ukweli is the fifth and final track. Nikita pulls out the lover girl. Are we surprised? Because would it even be a Nikita EP without bringing out the lover? The production, vocals and lyricism make you want to fall in love just to tell someone kama hakupendi aseme ukweli.

The standout moment, for me in the project, however, is hearing Nikita sing in Nandi with a touch of rap. It scratched an itch I didn’t know I had and left me wanting more. Nikita, if you ever read this, please do it again. In fact, at this point, make it part of your signature sound. Not in an appropriative way, but in a way that reminds us all to stay connected to our roots.

That may be one of The Lick Back’s greatest strengths. Beyond the impressive vocals, polished production, and emotional storytelling, the EP feels grounded. It embraces different identities and influences without losing coherence.

Overall, The Lick Back takes listeners through a myriad of emotions. More than anything, it felt grown. And for a girl whose voice we have been hearing since she could tap into her vocal cords, Nikita delivered a project that reflects both artistic and personal growth.

She gave us music we can dance to in the club, sing at the top of our lungs in the shower, or listen to on those weekly mental health walks. Because God knows we all need them as a country.

Beyond the storytelling, the quality of the execution stands out. The vocals glide effortlessly, too. From the Afro-fusion influences to the more contemporary pop and R&B moments across the EP, The Lick Back demonstrates a willingness to experiment without sacrificing cohesion.

Perhaps the most fitting thing about this project is its title. After what felt like ages since Nikita's last long-form release, The Lick Back feels exactly like that - a comeback. If anyone had forgotten why Nikita Kering remains one of Kenya's most exciting artists, this EP is a perfect reminder.

I can't wait to hear these songs blasting from matatus or in the club, while outside or better yet, during her live performances. Which I am admittedly looking forward to. If The Lick Back is a pointer of where Nikita Kering is headed, then the future is sounding really, really good. And she did get, well, her Lick back.

And in the words of a great philosopher, if you are looking for me, find me outsideeee

~ Nikita Kering, 2026.