Niniola

Niniola Apata was born to the family of Rt. Brigadier General Simeon Olaosebikan Apata and Mrs. Margaret Apata on 15 December 1986 and raised in Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the direct elder sister to Teni.

Niniola began her education both primary and secondary school education at Apata Memorial High School, and she earned a bachelor of education certificate from the University of Lagos. She comes from a polygamous family where she was the sixth of ten children, raised by three mothers and a father who was killed in 1995.{{Cite web|last=Nurse|first=Earl and Arit Okpo|date=November 4, 2020|title=A polygamous upbringing and a tragic loss contribute to the confidence heard in Niniola's music|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/04/africa/niniola-apata-polygamy-upbringing-music-nigeria-afro-beat-spc-intl/?hpt=ob_blogfooterold|access-date=November 8, 2020|website=CNN|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107052650/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/04/africa/niniola-apata-polygamy-upbringing-music-nigeria-afro-beat-spc-intl/?hpt=ob_blogfooterold|url-status=live}}

Niniola participated in several social activities and competitions while attending secondary school.{{cite news|url=http://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/music/182100-project-fame-prepared-me-for-a-bigger-stage-niniola.html|title=Project Fame prepared me for a bigger stage – Niniola|work=Premium Times|last=Abimboye|first=Micheal|date=26 April 2015|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=13 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313101738/http://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/music/182100-project-fame-prepared-me-for-a-bigger-stage-niniola.html|url-status=live}} She finished third runner-up in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa.{{cite news|url=http://dailypost.ng/2015/11/08/niniola-reveals-the-only-challenge-she-has-in-music-industry/|title=Niniola reveals the only challenge she has in music industry|work=Daily Post News|last=Ogbeche|first=Danielle|date=18 November 2015|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921151544/http://dailypost.ng/2015/11/08/niniola-reveals-the-only-challenge-she-has-in-music-industry/|url-status=live}} During the competition, she performed a live rendition of "Limpopo" with Kcee and her Cobhams Asuquo-produced track "Itura". She has cited Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, The Cranberries, Madonna, Beyoncé and Angélique Kidjo as her key musical influences.

Niniola released her debut single "Ibadi" on 19 March 2014. Produced by Sarz, the song received positive critical reviews, topped national music charts and gained extensive airplay.{{cite news|url=http://pulse.ng/music/life-after-project-fame-listen-to-niniola-ibadi-id2741067.html|title=Life After Project Fame: Listen To Niniola - Ibadi|work=Pulse Nigeria|last=Akan|first=Joey|date=19 March 2014|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=30 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630055918/http://pulse.ng/music/life-after-project-fame-listen-to-niniola-ibadi-id2741067.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.naijareview.com/video-niniola-ibadi-official-video/|title=VIDEO: NINIOLA – IBADI (OFFICIAL VIDEO)|work=Naija Review|author=Michael|date=1 December 2014|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=1 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701202049/http://www.naijareview.com/video-niniola-ibadi-official-video/|url-status=live}} Her singles "Ibadi" and "Gbowode" were included in the soundtrack for season 2 of Gidi Up. NotJustOk included her on its list of the 15 Artists to Watch in 2015. Niniola was nominated in the Most Promising Act to Watch category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.{{cite web|url=http://notjustok.com/2015/01/21/15-artists-watch-2015/|title=15 Artists to Watch in 2015|work=notJustOk|author=Demola OG|date=21 January 2015|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510104019/http://notjustok.com/2015/01/21/15-artists-watch-2015/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://thenet.ng/full-list-of-nominees-for-nigerian-entertainment-awards-2015/|title=Full list of nominees for Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2015|work=Nigerian Entertainment Today|author=Hassan Sanusi|date=12 June 2015|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=21 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621180343/http://thenet.ng/2015/06/full-list-of-nominees-for-nigerian-entertainment-awards-2015/|url-status=live}}

Niniola released the Sarz-produced single "Maradona" in 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.pulse.ng/niniola-how-maradona-singer-scored-one-of-the-hottest-songs-in-nigeria/4m6qqsl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204134918/https://www.pulse.ng/niniola-how-maradona-singer-scored-one-of-the-hottest-songs-in-nigeria/4m6qqsl|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 4, 2024|title=How 'Maradona' singer scored one of the hottest songs in Nigeria – Niniola|work=Pulse Nigeria|last=jonathan|date=7 June 2017|access-date=22 November 2019}} The song spent 13 weeks on South Africa's Metro FM chart, retaining the number 1 position for 6 weeks.{{cite news|url=https://www.officialniniola.com/niniola-maradona-tops-metrofm-south-africa/|title=Niniola tops Metro Fm South Africa charts with "MARADONA" – Niniola|work=Officialniniola|last=michael|date=14 January 2018|access-date=22 November 2019|archive-date=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101150219/http://www.officialniniola.com/niniola-maradona-tops-metrofm-south-africa/|url-status=live}}

Niniola earned nominations at the 2018 BET Awards and SAMAs for "Maradona".{{cite news|url=https://www.bet.com/article/v73zoh/niniola-the-queen-of-afro-house-is-a-boss-in-her-own-right|title=What You Need To Know About Niniola The Afro-House Queen – Niniola|work=BET|last=Kami Simmons|date=6 June 2018|access-date=22 November 2019|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808122724/https://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2018/bet-international/features/niniola-the-afro-house-queen.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://ynaija.com/niniola-and-wizkid-are-repping-naija-at-the-2018-samas-for-best-african-artiste-album/|title=Niniola and Wizkid are repping Naija at the 2018 SAMAs for Best African Artiste Album|work=Ynaija|last=Bernard Dayo|date=22 April 2018|access-date=22 November 2019|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921045145/https://ynaija.com/niniola-and-wizkid-are-repping-naija-at-the-2018-samas-for-best-african-artiste-album/|url-status=live}}

In 2018 DJ Snake teamed up with Niniola and created Maradona Riddim a remix to her previously released hit Maradona.{{cite news|url=https://jaguda.com/music-mp3/afro-pop/dj-snake-x-niniola-maradona-riddim/|title=DJ Snake X Niniola – Maradona Riddim|work=Jaguda|last=djruffee|date=13 July 2018|access-date=28 March 2021|archive-date=23 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123185847/https://jaguda.com/music-mp3/afro-pop/dj-snake-x-niniola-maradona-riddim/|url-status=dead}} She received nods from Canadian rapper Drake and American record producer Timbaland.{{cite news|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/drake-niniola-new-big-fan-radio/|title=Apparently Drake Is Niniola's New Big Fan|work=Okay Africa|last=OKAYAFRICA|date=16 April 2019|access-date=22 November 2019|archive-date=4 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404185124/https://www.okayafrica.com/drake-niniola-new-big-fan-radio/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/niniola-afro-house-nigeria-interview-video/|title=Video: Niniola Talks Afro-House and Getting Co-Signs From Timbaland & Drake|work=OKAYAFRICA|last=Kam Tambini|date=12 July 2019|access-date=22 November 2019|archive-date=13 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713181101/https://www.okayafrica.com/niniola-afro-house-nigeria-interview-video/|url-status=live}}

In 2019, elements of "Maradona" were sampled in "Find Your Way Back", a song from Beyoncé's soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift. Niniola is also credited as one of the track's songwriters and composers.{{cite news|url=https://beyonce.com/album/thegift/credits/|title=THE LION KING: THE GIFT CREDITS|work=BEYONCE|last=BEYONCE|date=19 July 2019|access-date=22 November 2019|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020115722/https://beyonce.com/album/thegift/credits/|url-status=dead}}

In April 2020, she received her Grammy nomination certificate for her work as a composer on The Lion King: The Gift.{{Cite web|url=https://notjustok.com/news/niniola-receives-grammy-certificate-for-her-work-on-beyonces-album/|title=Niniola Receives Grammy Certificate For Her Work On Beyonce's Album, Gift|date=2020-04-23|website=NotJustOk|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-24|archive-date=2020-04-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425001718/https://notjustok.com/news/niniola-receives-grammy-certificate-for-her-work-on-beyonces-album/|url-status=live}}

In June 2021, she received her Grammy second nomination certificate for her work as a composer on The Lion King: The Gift.{{Cite web|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/niniola-receives-grammy-award-certificates-for-lion-king-album/|title=Niniola receives Grammy Award certificates for 'Lion King' album|date=2021-06-09|website=TheNation|language=en-US|access-date=2021-08-04|archive-date=2021-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804103445/https://thenationonlineng.net/niniola-receives-grammy-award-certificates-for-lion-king-album/|url-status=live}} In the same month Niniola got inducted into the Grammy Recording Academy Class of 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://thenationonlineng.net/niniola-joins-grammy-recording-academy-class/|title=Niniola joins Grammy Recording Academy Class|date=2021-06-29|website=TheNation|language=en-US|access-date=2021-08-04|archive-date=2021-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803163738/https://thenationonlineng.net/niniola-joins-grammy-recording-academy-class/|url-status=live}}

In July 2021, Niniola's single, "Maradona" was certified gold in South Africa by the Recording Industry of South Africa RISA.{{Cite web|url=https://notjustok.com/news/niniola-maradona-gold-south-africa/|title=Niniola's "Maradona" Certified Gold in South Africa, Announces New Music|date=2021-08-03|website=NotJustOk|language=en-US|access-date=2021-08-04|archive-date=2021-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803202412/https://notjustok.com/news/niniola-maradona-gold-south-africa/|url-status=live}}

In January 2023, Niniola's single, "Maradona" was certified Platinum in South Africa by the Recording Industry of South Africa RISA.{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialniniola.com/niniolas-maradona-goes-platinum-in-south-africa/|title=Niniola's Maradona Goes Platinum In South Africa!!!|date=2023-06-05|website=Officialniniola|language=en-US|access-date=2023-06-05|archive-date=2023-06-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605145746/https://www.officialniniola.com/niniolas-maradona-goes-platinum-in-south-africa/|url-status=live}}

As of 2018 Niniola's style of music was described according to BET as "a mixture of afrobeats and house music".{{Cite web |title=What You Need To Know About Niniola The Afro-House Queen |url=https://www.bet.com/article/v73zoh/niniola-the-queen-of-afro-house-is-a-boss-in-her-own-right |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=BET |language=en}}{{cite news|url=https://www.naij.com/505438-exclusive-read-project-fames-niniola-says-love-life-music.html|title=Exclusive: Singer Niniola Talks About Her Music, Charity Organization And More|work=Naij|date=10 August 2015|access-date=28 May 2016|archive-date=7 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807074325/https://www.naij.com/505438-exclusive-read-project-fames-niniola-says-love-life-music.html|url-status=live}} Though later as recent as 2020 her signature style of music would later include Amapiano becoming the first Nigerian to release a song with amapiano logdrums.{{Cite web |last=Adebiyi |first=Adeayo |date=2022-09-15 |title=Who did it first?: The battle over the importation of Amapiano |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/nigerian-artists-disagree-over-the-importation-of-amapiano/6ns9e8c#:~:text=Amapiano%20is%20a%20South%20Africa,were%20released%20in%202020%20include: |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}} As of 2022 some sources would also later categorize her sound as "afropiano" a fusion style of music which combines afrobeats and amapiano.{{Cite web |last=Tofe |first=Ayeni |date=September 13, 2022 |title=From Afrobeats to Amapiano, is it time for Afropiano on the global stage? |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/237541/from-afrobeats-to-amapiano-is-it-time-for-afropiano-on-the-global-stage/ |website=the Africa report}} During an interview with Gbolahan Adeyemi of NGWide in 2015, Niniola expressed her fondness for singing in Yoruba, citing that it enhances the beauty of song delivery.{{Cite web|date=2015-10-03|title=NGwide Interview: Niniola Mp3, Video|url=https://www.ngwide.net/ngwide-interview-niniola/|access-date=2020-12-24|website=NGwide.net|language=en-GB|archive-date=2022-10-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003061030/https://www.ngwide.net/ngwide-interview-niniola/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |last=Music |first=Playlists & |date=24 August 2020 |title=The Timeless Hit-Making Relationship between SARZ and Niniola |url=https://www.morebranches.com/the-timeless-relationship-between-sarz-and-niniola/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126110311/https://www.morebranches.com/the-timeless-relationship-between-sarz-and-niniola/ |archive-date=26 November 2022 |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=More Branches}}{{Cite web |last=Ngema |first=Zee |author-link=OkayAfrica |date=2 October 2020 |title=Niniola Brings Africa To The World With New Album 'Colours and Sounds' |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/niniola-new-album-colours-sounds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204020839/https://www.okayafrica.com/niniola-new-album-colours-sounds/ |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=Okay Africa}}

Niniola is the older sister of singer Teniola.{{Cite news|url=https://punchng.com/my-love-for-niniola-stronger-than-music-teni-entertainer/|title=My love for Niniola stronger than music –Teni Entertainer|work=Punch Newspapers|access-date=2018-09-23|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918212233/https://punchng.com/my-love-for-niniola-stronger-than-music-teni-entertainer/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://thenet.ng/things-love-admire-teni-entertainer/|title=Here Are The Things To Love And Admire About Teni Entertainer - Nigerian Entertainment Today|date=2018-09-26|work=Nigerian Entertainment Today|access-date=2018-10-26|language=en-GB|archive-date=2018-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026104338/http://thenet.ng/things-love-admire-teni-entertainer/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Niniola discography}}

• This is Me (2017){{Cite web |last=Ejiofor |first=Yvonne |date=2017-10-31 |title=Niniola Releases Debut Album 'This Is Me' |url=https://guardian.ng/life/music/niniolas-releases-debut-album-this-is-me/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108214347/https://guardian.ng/life/music/niniolas-releases-debut-album-this-is-me/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2017-11-18 |title='This is Me' lands Niniola new deal |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/this-is-me-lands-niniola-new-deal/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108214347/https://tribuneonlineng.com/this-is-me-lands-niniola-new-deal/ |url-status=live }}
• Colours and Sounds (2020){{Citation|title=Colours and Sounds by Niniola|url=https://music.apple.com/ng/album/colours-and-sounds/1530010564|language=en-gb|access-date=2021-01-22|archive-date=2021-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224165030/https://music.apple.com/ng/album/colours-and-sounds/1530010564|url-status=live}}
• 6th Heaven (EP) (2021){{cite web |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/niniola-6th-heaven-ep-review/tp80jj5 |title=AUDIO: NINIOLA – 6TH HEAVEN (THE EP) |date=9 March 2021 |access-date=12 March 2021 |archive-date=10 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310141437/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/niniola-6th-heaven-ep-review/tp80jj5 |url-status=live }}

• Lagos to Jozi (EP) (2021){{cite web |url=https://notjustok.com/mp3-songs/ep/niniola-lagos-to-jozi-ep/ |title=LISTEN: Niniola Explores Sounds From 'Lagos To Jozi' on New EP |date=12 November 2021 |access-date=4 December 2021 |archive-date=4 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204092307/https://notjustok.com/mp3-songs/ep/niniola-lagos-to-jozi-ep/ |url-status=live }}

• Press Play (2024) press play by niniola | https://trendybeatz.com/artist-albums/3406/niniola-press-play-album | https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kfK2GsBIBCBE_k_m68xnUpyiltFM52hOw&si=ZUYb5rCazh-mNcTa | https://music.apple.com/ge/album/press-play/1758939019| https://x.com/officialniniola/status/1834579956623352050?s=61&t=jb7x4bLhC7yXlDPHrRGNrQ |

{{Incomplete list|date=May 2016}}

• List of Nigerian musicians

{{Reflist|30em}}

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• {{official website|officialniniola.com}}
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Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:Yoruba women musicians

Category:21st-century Nigerian women singers

Category:University of Lagos alumni

Category:Musicians from Lagos State

Category:Musicians from Ekiti State

Category:Yoruba-language singers of Nigeria

Category:English-language singers from Nigeria

Category:Nigerian women singer-songwriters