An activist curator and cultural spokesperson, KANIKA is a musician native to Baltimore, who deeply resonates with the injustices occurring on our doorstep. Invoking and facilitating conversations around important societal themes, Kanika’s work truly embodies the meaning of unity, female empowerment, and freedom of expression. Despite centralizing upon heavy topics, such music proves technically beautiful and atmospheric. 

Layering up-tempo dance tracks with soulful ballads over rock guitar, Kanika proves undefined by genre. Coupled with thought provoking lyricism and powerful vocals, ‘It’s My Body’ is one of the highly anticipated songs on her 3rd solo album, coming Spring 2023. Not her first political statement in protest, Kanika sang for over 24 hours straight in Washington DC, to break the record of the longest filibuster and demand the Senate pass the Freedom to Vote Act. Also, a finalist in the Songs For Good national writing contest during the 2020 election cycle, her “Vote in 2020” soundtrack for democracy became one of the top TikTok sounds used by voters across the US – contrasting from The Real Housewives of Potomac to Sports Illustrated swimsuit models. A career day frequent flyer and TED Talk speaker, Kanika advocates for economic equality and has assisted over 1,000 unemployed Baltimore residents in receiving workforce training to acquire a healthcare career. 

Well-established in the proactive grassroot subculture, Kanika aims to change the world with the lyrics of her music, and to be the type of artist that can create unity through song. Hailed as a high energy performer with a catchy spark, Kanika is an accomplished singer, songwriter and “Artivist” who uses her gift of music and voice to uplift the world and inspire awareness and social change. 

Over the past decade, Kanika has been known as the front woman of rock/SKA band The Upstarters. By fan demand, she has been invited back for performances at neighborhood events, popular regional festivals and nightclubs as the headliner or concert opener. Kanika doesn’t just sing what she believes but is living proof that you can live your passion AND impact the community.