ENISA, born Enisa Nikaj to Albanian parents in Brooklyn, is a 27-year-old emerging pop star. She signed with Atlantic Records in 2019 and is now beginning to make her mark in the music industry. With 18 singles and a YouTube channel with 2M subscribers, she is quickly becoming a household name.
Beginning Her Music Career
Nikaj embarked on her journey in the music industry in 2015, but the road to success was more challenging than she’d anticipated. She found herself struggling without connections or recognition. To draw attention to her talent, she decided to do more covers of popular songs, hoping to capture the attention of music lovers and industry insiders alike.
She released her first single, “Burn This Bridge,” in 2016 alongside a music video. She was inspired to write the song after someone she thought could help her break into the industry told her that she wasn’t good enough. But she didn’t let that stop her. Instead, she channeled her pain and frustration into her music.
In 2017, Nikaj followed up with two more singles, “Glory Days” and “Freedom,” which showcased her signature sound, a blend of international dance music and soulful pop.
The Model Life and Signature Look
Nikaj had a budding modeling career before she officially stepped into the music industry. While in high school, she was a cover model for the annual 2014 edition of Prom Guide magazine. Her beauty and charisma caught the attention of model managers who started approaching her after her musical debut in 2015.
In 2016, Nikaj signed with the well-known Wilhelmina Modeling Agency, which proved to be a wise move. That same year, she modeled for four editorial photo shoots, showcasing her versatility as a model.
Despite being in the limelight, Nikaj has always remained true to her personal style. In an interview, she described herself as “more conservative than flashy,” citing New York City as the source of her inspiration.
Breakout Singles and A Record Deal
Nikaj was invited to the studio by rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie in 2018. Over a year later, he invited her to the studio again and was introduced to higher-ups at Atlantic Records. Atlantic Records offered her a contract in May 2019, and she signed her first record deal in December 2019.
That December, she released her sixth single, “Something Beautiful,” as a tribute to the victims of the 2019 Albania earthquake. In 2020, Nikaj released “Love Cycle,” and the music video went viral, gaining attention from Nigerian fans. She adopted the name “Eniola” in their honor. Later that year, she released “Dumb Boy.” Both amassed 12M views on YouTube within a year of their releases, cementing her status as a pop star.
Nikaj represented New York state in “The American Song Contest” in 2022. Her latest single, “Karaoke,” debuted in January 2024. To date, she has released 18 singles with more titles to come.
