Hello, dear readers! Today, I want to introduce you to one of the most talented and versatile singers in Nigeria and Africa, Niniola Apata, popularly known as Niniola. Niniola is a singer, songwriter, and performer who has created her own unique genre of music called Afro-House, a blend of Afrobeat and House music.

She is known for her hit songs such as Maradona, Designer, Bana, and many others. She is also a Grammy-nominated composer and a philanthropist. Lets take a look at her life, career, and achievements.

Niniola Early Life and Education

Niniola was born on December 15, 1986, in Lagos State, Nigeria, into a wealthy and supportive family. Her father, Simeon Olaosebikan Apata, was a retired brigadier general who was killed in 1995. Her mother, Margaret Apata, is a businesswoman and a school owner. Niniola is the elder sister of Teni, another famous Nigerian singer. She has eight other siblings from her fathers polygamous marriage.

Niniola attended Apata Memorial High School, which her father founded. She developed a passion for music from a young age and participated in various social activities and competitions in school. She was nicknamed the human radio by her classmates because of her ability to sing any song on request. She also joined the schools cultural group and performed at various events.

Niniola proceeded to the University of Lagos, where she studied and obtained a bachelors degree in education. She also continued to pursue her musical dreams and auditioned for several talent shows, such as Idols West Africa and X Factor. She eventually made it to the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013, where she finished as the third runner-up.

Niniola Career and Breakthrough

Niniolas career took off after she participated in Project Fame West Africa, where she impressed the judges and the audience with her powerful vocals and captivating performances. She performed songs by Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Madonna, Beyonc, and Anglique Kidjo, who are some of her musical influences. She also performed her own original song, Itura, which was produced by Cobhams Asuquo, a renowned Nigerian producer.

Niniola released her debut single, Ibadi, in 2014, which was produced by Sarz, another prominent Nigerian producer. The song introduced her Afro-House style to the world and received positive reviews from critics and fans. It also topped various music charts and gained extensive airplay. She followed up with other singles, such as Gbowode, Akara Oyibo, Soke, Shaba, Jete Start All Over, and Jigi Jigi.

Niniolas breakthrough came in 2017 when she released her smash hit, Maradona, which was also produced by Sarz. The song was a huge success in Nigeria and across Africa, especially in South Africa, where it dominated the radio and club scenes.

It also attracted international attention and recognition, as DJ Snake sampled it in his song Maradona Riddim and Beyonc in her song Find Your Way Back from The Lion King: The Gift album. Niniola received a Grammy nomination for her work as a composer on the latter.

Niniola released her debut album, This Is Me, in 2017, which showcased her versatility and creativity as an artist. The album featured 13 tracks, including Maradona, Sicker, Saro, Oyin, Magun, Magun Remix, and Bana. The album received rave reviews from critics and fans and earned her several awards and nominations, such as the Headies, the AFRIMMA, the Soundcity MVP, the NEA, and the SAMAs.

Niniola has continued to release hit songs and collaborate with other artists, both locally and internationally. Some of her recent songs include Designer, Fantasy, Addicted, Look Like Me, Innocent Fagbo, and Promise. She has also worked with artists such as Eddy Kenzo, Busiswa, Timbaland, Drake, Femi Kuti, Nonso Amadi, and Mzansi Youth Choir.

Niniola Achievements and Recognition

Niniola has achieved a lot in her musical career and has received many accolades and honours. She is the most nominated female artist in the history of the Headies, Nigerias most prestigious music award. She is also the first female Nigerian artist to have over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. She is also the first African female artist to be endorsed by the international brand Pepsi.

Niniola has been featured on several local and international media platforms, such as MTV Base, Trace, Soundcity, BBC, CNN, Billboard, and Rolling Stone. She has also performed at various events and festivals, such as the SXSW, the Gidi Fest, the Afronation, the Global Citizen, and the YouTube Africa Creator Week.

Niniola is not only a successful musician but also a philanthropist and a humanitarian. She has donated to various causes, such as education, health, water, sanitation, and empowerment. She has also supported humanitarian efforts, such as the fight against malaria, polio, Ebola, and COVID-19. She is the founder and director of the Adopt-A-Childs-Education Foundation, which provides scholarships and mentorship to underprivileged children.

Niniola Net Worth

Niniolas net worth is estimated to be around USD 1.5 million as of 2023. She makes her money from the sale of her music, shows, tours, and endorsement deals. She is one of the most influential female singers in Nigeria and Africa and the creator of the Afro-House genre. She is also a Grammy-nominated composer and a philanthropist.

Controversy And Activism Of Niniola

Niniola is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer who is known for her Afro-House genre and hit songs like Maradona and Designer. She has also been involved in some controversy and activism in her career. Here are some examples:

• In 2018, she was accused of stealing the concept of her song Bana from a South African artist named Sho Madjozi, who claimed that Niniola copied her style and visuals1. Niniola denied the allegations and said that the South African house music scene inspired her and that she had no intention of copying anyone.

• In 2019, she joined other Nigerian celebrities in protesting against the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. She expressed her solidarity with the victims and condemned the violence and discrimination. She also urged the Nigerian government to take action and protect its citizens.

• In 2020, she participated in the #EndSARS movement, which demanded an end to police brutality and corruption in Nigeria. She used her platform to raise awareness and support for the cause and also donated money and food to the protesters. She also released a song titled Look Like Me, which addressed the issues of identity and self-expression in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Niniola is a remarkable woman who has risen from a humble background to become one of the most influential and respected singers in Nigeria and Africa. She is a visionary and a trailblazer who has created her own niche and style of music, which has captivated millions of fans around the world.

She is also a generous and compassionate person who has given back to her community and her continent. She is an inspiration for many aspiring artists and a role model for many Africans. She is a true African queen and a global icon.