Shawntoni Ajanee Nichols, better known by her stage name Mamii, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist, best known for her contributions to Beyoncé's album Cowboy Carter, Kehlani's album Crash and co-writing ¥$'s single "Talking". She is currently signed to Roc Nation.
In addition to her work behind the scenes, Nichols is also a solo artist blending R&B, jazz, and funk-rock. She is influenced by Prince, Jacob Collier, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, Frank Ocean, Willow Smith, and more.
Career Early life Nichols grew up in a musical family, and began to learn to show interest in music after her brother started producing beats. A self-taught musician, she eventually learned to play the acoustic guitar and bass from YouTube videos. She started singing as a child in the church choir, and was inspired by the Clark Sisters, Kirk Franklin, and gospel vocal group Take 6.
Black Phoenix In 2021, Nichols released her debut major-label project Black Phoenix to critical acclaim. In a review for music publication Clash, writer Amelia Lloyd praised the daring, unconventional genre experimentation and "genre-weaving inspiration[s]". "The creative decisions in the creation of this album are just right. ‘Black Phoeniix’ feels rich and complete, a spectacular offering from a young upcoming creative. Contemporary polyrhythms and textured harmonies take this album from classic R&B to a new level. The youth of the genre are flipping the switch." A deluxe version of the project (titled Black Phoenix: The Rebirth) was released several months later with three additional tracks.
Discography Studio albums Black Phoenix (2021) Black Phoenix: The Rebirth (2021)
Extended Plays 18 (2019) Not an EP (2019) Phantasmagoria (2024)
Guest Appearances Title Year Artist Album"So Good"<br/ >2019Omar ApolloFriends"Nonchalant"2022Westside BoogieMore Black Superheroes"Float""Somethin Strange""CYBAH"SydBroken Hearts Club"Pulp Jam"2023CruzaParanoia Pack"Chapel"2024KehlaniCrash"Dramatic Girl"2026Baby KeemCasino
Selected songwriting & production credits Title Year Artist Album"Prideful II"2022Westside BoogieMore Black Superheroes"Anthony (War)""Fast Car"SydBroken Hearts Club"Sweet""Out Loud""My Rose"2024BeyoncéCowboy Carter"Bodyguard""Flamenco""Talking"¥$Vultures 1"GrooveTheory"KehlaniCrash"Sucia""Love Like"While We Wait 2"Let Me Down" (San Diego Interlude)"Ballin'""I Used To"Leon ThomasMutt"Heel"2025MUTT Deluxe: Heel"Letter To God"2026Ayra StarrStarr Girl
Awards and nominations Year Ceremony Award ResultRef 2025 Canadian Country Music Association Song of The Year (Bodyguard)
References