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Nik Qistina

Nik Qistina

Meet Malaysian music artist, Nik Qistina.

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I a​m an artist born in Malaysia. I’ve always expressed myself best with creative work.
Growing up I was exposed to different kinds of art. Although I knew from a very young age that music was a path that I would very much like to pursue.

When I was 13, I began receiving much attention from social media after uploading cover songs, that’s when my life changed. Looking back, that’s when I began to worry about what other people thought of me and started seeing myself through their eyes. I stopped looking up at the stars at night. I stopped daydreaming. I tried to jam myself into moulds that other people made. Soon, I began to shut out my own voice and started to listen to the voices of others. No one called out my situation, and neither did I. But I had one sanctuary, and that was music. There was a small voice in me that said, ‘Wake up, and listen to yourself!”

Music has always been my happy place that I frequently go to and having a career in music was bound to fuel my passion. Being where I dream to be pushes me to work harder. I just want the best for future me, the people around me and my future family. As I grew older, I started appreciating and respecting myself more for handling everything I’ve faced.

In recent months, I’ve been venturing more into humanitarian efforts. I was chosen as the Kindness Ambassador​ for Stand Together Malaysia, a campaign that calls upon showing acts of kindness, where I traveled to schools in Miri and Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The energy that the students and teachers gave the whole month was really amazing. The kind of hatred we see online today has become so toxic, but these students are showing us a way forward, by reminding us that only love can drive out hate.

I am also the s​ocial media ambassador ​​for Hunger Hurts Malaysia, a non-profit organization that aims to provide education to the less fortunate and to raise awareness regarding poverty in Malaysia. Most off days I’m either spending time cooking with my loved ones or alone reading while drinking fruit smoothies. I love life as simple as it can be.

 

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Kuala Lumpur is a prosperous and crowded city, but personally, I love being at home surrounding myself with good hearts that inspires me. As cliche as this sounds, I’m more comfortable spending time with people that are supportive and wants nothing but smiles and sunshine for others. I’d rather be alone than to be with bad company.

Lucky for me, the best thing about my people is that we love being lowkey, and at the end of the day we’re always gonna stick by each other through it all.

The BEST part of KL: the food here is amazing. I’m yet to explore ALL the restaurants here.

 

Kuala Lumpur is a prosperous and crowded city, but personally, I love being at home surrounding myself with good hearts that inspires me.

 

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Best: Food from different cultures (YUM!)
Worst: Traffic. I’ve been stuck in traffic for an hour and the place I was going to was only 20 mins away!

 

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Passionate, Brilliant, and Undervalued.

 

How did you start your career in music?

I grew up with music.

When I was 6, I found about Michael Jackson. He was my light and muse growing up. When was older, I discovered Justin Timberlake & Timbaland that’s when I was crazy about beats and creating music. Beyonce was also a big influence on the way I carry myself as a woman.

I eventually found myself the happiest when I was doing music. I started uploading covers of songs on a​ few of my social media platforms ​which eventually got me noticed and signed by Universal Music Malaysia in 2016!

The rest is still an on-going dream come true. Having amazing talented friends, performing abroad and traveling with Greyson Chance (he is such a down-to-earth sweetheart) and being surrounded with good people. My heart is full.

 

I grew up with music.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

At first, they were not, but now they support me unconditionally after seeing my many achievements!

I’m blessed to be surrounded with talented souls that strive for greatness and success the same as I do. It’s been a very supportive environment.

 

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I think my goal in life is pretty simple. I want to use art as a means of spreading positivity and encouragement. To make people feel like they’re not alone. For people to know that we hear them.

My dream is to work bigger. I’d love to travel the world with my team and do more shows abroad. At this moment, I’m focusing on giving back to causes that I care deeply about and creating fun and creative contents.

 

I think my goal in life is pretty simple. I want to use art as a means of spreading positivity and encouragement. To make people feel like they’re not alone. For people to know that we hear them.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Hardest question ever! There’re so many artists I adore and want to collaborate out there, it’d be a dream to work with Beyonce. Yuna, my girl. Jessie J, yes please! Ed Sheeran. Sabrina Carpenter. Rihanna. Bruno Mars. Timbaland. Justin Timberlake. Jhene Aiko. We’d be the perfect clique.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

Brilliant, kind, independent, strong, fierce, nurturing, resilient and powerful. The women around me inspires me daily.​ I am the woman I am today because I grew up seeing the women around me being strong & constantly standing up for what’s right.

It’s you against this big and cruel world. Always choose you.

 

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Yes, it’s Mizz Nina. I’ve listened to all of her songs. I’ve watched all of her interviews. I admire how she’s grown to be the most kind-hearted person with a serene spirit. I don’t know her personally but her works moved me in a way that I can never imagine. I’m really proud of her.

 

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Just like in every industry there’s a lot of challenges that women face – I’m lucky I’m surrounded by strong and talented women, we can draw attention to the fact that we’re female and we can be powerful if you want, but we decided from the start that we’re gonna be humble yet be fierce and powerful when needed. Don’t mess with us!

 

All I can say is you need to be as sincere as you can when doing whatever it is you put your mind into.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

All I can say is you need to be as sincere as you can when doing whatever it is you put your mind into.

Most importantly, believe in yourself! Have patience and keep working hard. Be forgiving and kind. Be humble and strong. You’re more than what others are saying about you. While others complain/hate, you can be creating and accomplishing your dreams.

When every door is closed, you can always just make your own damn building. I promise you the work & dedication pays out. All the best! <3

 

 

Photos courtesy of Nik Qistina.

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