Nicole Johänntgen, born on September 4, 1981 in Fischbach-Camphausen, Germany, is a saxophonist and composer. She started her musical education at age five, initially playing classical piano before switching to alto saxophone at 12, influenced by Candy Dulfer. She performed with local bands, notably her father’s dance band, as well as jazz combos. In 1998, she formed Nicole Jo. needs 2B funky and collaborated with ensembles such as the European Swinging Orchestra and Sisters in Jazz, as well as worked with Rémi Panossian’s trio. In 2015, she founded Selmabird Records, releasing albums like Moncaup (2015) and Henry II (2018). Johänntgen won the Yamaha Sax Contest in 2003 and received the Saarland Art Prize in 2022.
