S3:E87 I Decided with Nyia Cotton

Published: Aug. 31, 2023, 12:34 a.m.

Niya Cotton's life narrative is interwoven with a legacy of music. Born to a father who graced the ranks of original Richard Smallwood singers and a mother who commanded rhythm as a seasoned drummer, Niya's destiny as a musical communicator was evident from the start. Her journey commenced at the tender age of 2 in her church's youth choir, a stepping stone to her emergence as an artist of exceptional caliber.

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Graduating as salutatorian from Washington, D.C.'s Duke Ellington School of the Arts in 2000 and later earning a B.A. in Vocal Performance from Hampton University in 2004, Niya's artistic foundation was solidified. Her path led her to Los Angeles, where she contributed her talents to Warner Brothers' TV Music department, leaving her mark on prominent television shows. Her harmonious tones reverberated beyond screens, gracing tracks for renowned artists like Michael Bubl\xe9 and Chance the Rapper. Notably, she etched her presence in Kirk Franklin's album "Losing My Religion," a turning point that paved the way for her enduring collaboration with the Fo Yo Soul family. Beyond music, Niya's influence extended through "The Whole Tone LLC," a venture nurturing wholeness through art, education, and entertainment. As a worship leader, creative director, and mentor, she continues to orchestrate a life that marries artistry with profound purpose, all while embracing her role as a dedicated parent alongside her husband Roy in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

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Adding the link to the song here as well:\xa0https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-decided-radio-version-single/1704283610

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