Saint Lucia is mourning the loss of iconic soca artist Nicole Alana David, affectionately known as Nikki after a brave battle with cancer. The beloved singer, recognized for her powerhouse vocals and trailblazing presence in the regional music scene, died at the age of 51.
Nicole David, born on March 2, 1974, in Saint Lucia and raised in Saint Vincent, rose to prominence in the late 1990s with the band DN5. Her breakout success came in 2005 when she made history as the first woman to win the Saint Lucia Road March title with her infectious hit “Queen of the Jungle” better known as “Bounce”. The song became an anthem during Carnival and solidified her reputation as one of the island’s most dynamic female performers.
Known for other soca staples such as “Mate,” “Jammette,” “Mischievous,” and “Wukking Up Is We Culture,” David was a fixture in regional carnivals and often hailed as Saint Lucia’s answer to Barbados’ Alison Hinds. Her vibrant performances and commanding stage presence earned her admiration across the Caribbean.
Nicole’s cancer diagnosis was made public in late 2024. As her condition became more serious, fans and fellow entertainers rallied to support her, launching a GoFundMe campaign and organizing benefit events to assist with her medical care. In December 2024, a karaoke fundraiser raised over EC$11,000 to support her treatment abroad.
Her final public appearance was an emotional duet of “It’s Carnival Again” alongside fellow soca artist Kisha during the 2024 Soca Monarch finals — a moment now etched in the hearts of many Saint Lucians.
Tributes have poured in across social media, with fans, musicians, and cultural leaders honoring Nicole David as a pioneer who broke barriers for women in soca and brought Saint Lucian music to new heights.
Nicole David leaves behind a powerful legacy of resilience, cultural pride, and musical excellence. Her impact on Saint Lucia’s entertainment industry will be remembered.
