Nikki M. James

Nikki Michelle James, born on June 3, 1981, is a talented American actress, director, and singer renowned for her impactful performances on stage. She is best known for her remarkable role as Nabulungi in the acclaimed musical The Book of Mormon, a performance that earned her the prestigious Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 2011.

Raised in Livingston, New Jersey, by immigrant parents—her father from Saint Vincent and her mother from Haiti—James demonstrated her passion for the arts from an early age, participating in church and school productions. She graduated from Livingston High School, where her portrayal of Dolly Levi garnered a nomination for a Rising Star Award at the Paper Mill Playhouse. She further honed her craft at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.

James made her Broadway debut in the ill-fated The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and showcased her versatility in productions such as House of Flowers and All Shook Up. She also starred in the revival of The Wiz at La Jolla Playhouse and participated in notable productions at the Stratford Festival, including performances alongside Christopher Plummer.

Following her success in The Book of Mormon, James took a brief hiatus to film Lucky Stiff and later portrayed Éponine in the Broadway revival of Les Misérables. In July 2017, she captivated audiences in The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin and, in 2024, began her role as journalist and civil rights pioneer Ida B. Wells in the musical Suffs, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in theater.