Niniola Apata, professionally known as Niniola, is a renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter born on December 15, 1986, in Lagos State, Nigeria. With a musical career spanning from 2014 to the present, she has left an indelible mark on the Afrobeats and Afrohouse genres.
- Niniola
Niniola
- Background information
Early Life and Education
Born to the family of Rt. Brigadier General Simeon Olaosebikan Apata and Mrs. Margaret Apata, Niniola grew up in Lagos State as the sixth of ten children. She began her education at Apata Memorial High School and later earned a Bachelor of Education certificate from the University of Lagos. Raised in a polygamous family, she faced challenges after losing her father in 1995.
Musical Career
Niniola’s musical journey took a significant turn when she finished third runner-up in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa. Influenced by legends like Whitney Houston and Beyoncé, she released her debut single “Ibadi” in 2014, gaining recognition and a nomination at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. Notably, her track “Maradona” garnered international success, earning her a Grammy nomination certificate in 2020 and a second one in 2021.
In 2019, elements of “Maradona” were sampled in Beyoncé’s “The Lion King: The Gift” album, showcasing Niniola’s global impact. Her style, a fusion of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and house music, is coined as “afrohouse” or “afropiano.”
Personal Life
Niniola is the elder sister of fellow singer Teni. Beyond her musical achievements, she values singing in Yoruba for its beauty in song delivery.
Songs and Achievements
Her notable singles include “Ibadi,” “Gbowode,” and the chart-topping “Maradona.” The latter received accolades, including a gold certification in South Africa in 2021 and platinum in 2023. Niniola’s compositions were also featured in Beyoncé’s work, solidifying her global presence.
Awards and Nominations
Niniola has received numerous nominations and awards, such as the Nigerian Teens Choice Awards, AFRIMMA, BET Awards, and The Headies. Notably, she won the Youth Artiste of The Year at the 2018 Maya Awards and Best Vocal Performance (Female) at The Headies in 2019.
Net Worth
As of now, Niniola boasts an estimated net worth of $1.5 million, a testament to her flourishing career and contributions to the music industry.
Social Media
Stay updated with Niniola on Instagram by following her @officialniniola.
