THIS is the sixth of a 12-part series looking at Jamaicans who have excelled in the tri-state (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) area’s entertainment and leisure industry.

NIKKI Z is synonymous with live events in the tri-state region. Now in her late 30s, she (real name Nicole Duhaney) has carved out a niche working in media and show promotion, especially in Connecticut.

“I have been working with various promotional companies since the age of 16. I ventured out on my own in the latter part of my 20s,” Nikki Z shared in a recent interview.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut to Jamaican parents (her mother is from Kingston, her father was born in St Elizabeth), Nikki Z is deep into her Jamaican heritage. “My whole family is Jamaican born and raised.

I was the second in my family to be born on US soil. My family is very strong into the Jamaican heritage,” she explained. Nikki Z’ promotions in Connecticut include Lakefest with Beres Hammond, Anthony B and Etana; IOctane Live; Barrington Levy Live; and numerous parties.

Her most recent show took place on May 30 in Hartford. It had deejay Konshens as headliner. Nikki Z says her objective is to make a major contribution to the Caribbean community in the US.

“My vision is to bridge the gap between the Caribbean and Caribbean music lovers. Sometimes our industry is so saturated with music that the broader demographic gets lost in translation,” she explained.

“I am here to help our supporters and fans filter out those artistes and tracks that show the best our industry has to offer.” Nikki Z moved to Jamaica in 2006 and worked at ZIP 103 FM.

She left that radio station in 2009. She has also worked at BET in field production for BET Turnstyle, and did audience coordination for Comedy Central and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn.

Nikki Z is also a correspondent for BBC 1 Xtra with Robbo Ranx. She hosts the Reggae Ride to Work and Reggae Riddims shows on WZMX Hot 93.7 FM in Connecticut.

Additionally, she hosts the Hot Caribbean Countdown show which airs on stations in Kenya and Ghana as well as the British Virgin Islands. Nikki Z says there is still more to do.

“Right now, my immediate focus is the grand opening of my media studio. Next month, with the help of my brand manager Paul Parris, we will be launching my media office, a one-stop media marketing shop for your business, event or artiste needs,” she disclosed.

Nikki Z is into music production with her Goldie Lox Productions label. It has since been renamed DNZ Media.

The label debuted in 2008 with the Z March ‘riddim’ which featured acts such as Vybz Kartel, Wayne Marshall and Sizzla. Mavado’s hit single, Don’t Cry, was also on the riddim.