For those of you who are unfamiliar with the name Nicole Gyan, let us introduce you to her as she is one of the nation’s young women who have definitely come a long way at a young age and making waves on the air waves.
As early as 6:00am, Nicole’s soothing voice can be heard on popular radio station 95.1fm, co-hosting with Jean Ambrose on the prominent morning programme, “The Morning Zoo”. She is the newest addition to the 95 crew but that doesn’t make her a novice. Nicole has been in the entertainment industry for most of her life as she has hosted previous radio programmes on other radio stations, hosted television programmes and is a well-known member of the popular cross-over band, the Xsitaaz Indian Orchestra.
When IslandEvents asked Nicole about her co-hosting experience with Jean Ambrose, Nicole admitted that she was a bit edgy about working with somebody on air, because she had never worked with any one before at the same time as she did. Thoughts of “What if he can’t stand me and vice versa, what if our individual on-air styles don’t mesh?” raced through Nicole’s head before she met with Jean. However, they met three days before Nicole began working at 95fm and she stated with an open mind and mutual respect, great things can happen. This has proven true as both hosts do a tremendously wonderful job on mornings. With a sense of relief, Nicole confessed dragging herself out of bed at 4:30am to get to the radio station as well as on holidays, seems easier when you know someone else has to do it also.
The Xsitaaz Orchestra, described by Nicole as a fusion-happy bunch comprises a number of talented singers and musicians including Nicole’s younger brother, Shael Gyan, who like his big sister co-hosts the morning programme with Francesca Hawkins on Hott 93, 95.1fm’s rival station. Jokingly, Nicole stated, “I’d love to give you the sordid details of sibling career-rivalry, but the truth is, we both listen to and enjoy both frequencies….shh, don’t tell the boss.”
When Nicole sings with Xsitaaz, one has to wonder about this harmonious songstress’ s vocal training, but we were told that she does not undergo any more stringent training but that of another in-the-shower singing sensation. Blessed with a decent voice and being a musician, Nicole explained that a melody now comes naturally. She is fluent in both Spanish and French, but when asked if she knew Hindi, as Xsitaaz sings a lot of Hindi songs, Nicole replied, “Nahi”, which is Hindi for “No”, but said it’s never too late to learn. With a cheery aura and an obvious great sense of humour, Nicole wants us to look out for her on Zee TV in a couple of years….yes Nicole, we surely will!
With music being her passion, Nicole makes it a part of her every day course of therapy as she enjoys it whether she is listening to it, making it, talking about it or singing along and dancing to it. She even admits to blasting it while on her way to her client’s homes as she is also an insurance agent. I guess it’s safe to say Nicole listens to music at home, on her way to work, at work….when doesn’t she listen!?
Nicole made it clear that she treasures those close to her as she mentions that her happiest moments are defined as time spent with the person or people who matter the most to her. She gives credit to her family, teachers and a handful of friends that made her into the focused and diligent woman she is today highlighting that her one major source of motivation would most certainly be her mother.
When IslandEvents questioned Nicole’s love life, she divulged that “YES”, she did indeed find “THE ONE” then added, “Well, I hope so.” She went on to describe a perfect evening to her as one that was simple, cozy, in a tastefully-lit setting, soft music, good conversation and the right somebody works wonders for her. Spare time is a luxury that Nicole rarely enjoys, but when she does get the time she loves shopping (is her only vice), house limes, watching movies, clubbing, the theatre and hanging out with her “puppy-love”.
Apart from describing herself as creative, Nicole declared that she is also a hopeless klutz and informed us that among her list of embarrassing moments, the ones that stand out are the times when she fainted at the thought, sight or mention of blood where it lent to many Kodak moments.
Radio vs. TV? The 5’2” woman who teased that she is really a 6’1” woman posing in her present body prefers radio giving it two thumbs up. Why? She does not like the idea of being recognized everywhere she goes or being judged off the bat solely on the basis of her appearance.
Nicole offered some advice to the youths of our nation pertaining to life and its ups and downs, telling them to always respect themselves, count their blessings, the world owes them nothing, life is what they make it, so dream and work towards those dreams, however big or small, they’re yours.
In closing, we asked Nicole what we could expect from her in the future with regards to her career, marriage and kids, this is what she had to say, “A wise man once said life’s what happens when you’re making plans. So true, don’t know where this crazy journey of life will lead me, but I do know that I’m "gonna" keep trying to make the best of each new day and give my family and my career my all. And I’ll be sure to let you know when the wedding bells jingle and when little Nikki is on the way…”
