Niniola

Niniola, born Niniola Apata, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer known for her unique blend of Afrobeats, house music, and R&B. She is often referred to as the “Queen of Afro-House” for her ability to fuse traditional African sounds with contemporary electronic music. Niniola gained widespread recognition after finishing as a finalist on the Nigerian reality show “Project Fame West Africa” in 2013. Since then, she has become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated female artists.

Key Facts About Niniola

●  Full Name: Niniola Apata

●  Date of Birth: December 15, 1986

●  Place of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria

●  Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Performer

●  Genre: Afrobeats, Afro-House, R&B

●  Label: Drumroll Records

Early Life and Education

Niniola was born in Lagos, Nigeria, into a family of six children. She is the elder sister of Teniola Apata, also known as Teniola, who is a popular Nigerian singer. Niniola grew up in a musical household and developed a passion for singing at a young age. She attended the

University of Lagos, where she studied Education and Biology. Despite her academic background, she pursued a career in music, driven by her love for singing and performing.

Career

Niniola’s career began to take shape when she participated in the sixth season of “Project Fame West Africa” in 2013, where she finished as a finalist. Her performance on the show showcased her vocal prowess and stage presence, earning her a loyal fan base.

Breakthrough and Hit Songs

Niniola gained widespread recognition with her debut single, “Ibadi”, released in 2014. The song’s unique blend of Afrobeat and house music set her apart from other artists. Other notable songs include:

●  “Shaba” (2015)

●  “Soke” (2017) – A massive hit that solidified her place in the music industry.

●  “Maradona” (2017) – A global hit that was later sampled by Beyoncé and Tekno in “Don’t

Jealous Me” for The Lion King: The Gift album.

●  “Bana” (2018)

●  “Addicted” (2020)

●  “6th Heaven” (2021)

●  “Electrical” (2025)

Albums and EPs

Niniola has released several successful projects, including:

●  “This Is Me” (2017) – Her debut EP, featuring hits like “Soke” and “Maradona.”

●  “Colours and Sounds” (2020) – Her debut album, showcasing her versatility and growth

as an artist.

Musical Style and Influence

Niniola’s music is characterized by its fusion of Afrobeats, house music, and R&B, creating a sound that is both unique and captivating. She often sings in Yoruba and English, making her music accessible to a wide audience. Her ability to blend traditional African sounds with contemporary beats has earned her the title of “Queen of Afro-House.”

Awards and Recognition

Niniola has received numerous awards and nominations for her contributions to music, including:

●  The Headies Awards

●  Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA)

●  AFRIMMA Awards

Her song “Maradona” gained international recognition after being sampled by Beyoncé, further cementing her place in the