Niniola
Niniola in 2019
Born
Niniola Apata

(1986-12-15) December 15, 1986
Lagos State, Nigeria
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, performer
Years active2014 (2014) – present
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals
Websiteofficialniniola.com

Niniola Apata (born 15 December 1986),[1] known professionally as Niniola,[2] is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.[3] She participated in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013[4][5] After releasing her debut single "Ibadi",[6] she was nominated for Most Promising Act to Watch at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[7]

Early life

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

Education

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.[8] 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.[9]

Career

Niniola participated in several social activities and competitions while attending secondary school.[8] She finished third runner-up in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa.[10] 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.[5]

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.[11][12] 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.[13][14]

Niniola released the Sarz-produced single "Maradona" in 2017.[15] The song spent 13 weeks on South Africa's Metro FM chart, retaining the number 1 position for 6 weeks.[16] Niniola earned nominations at the 2018 BET Awards and SAMAs for "Maradona".[17][18] In 2018 DJ Snake teamed up with Niniola and created Maradona Riddim a remix to her previously released hit Maradona.[19] She received nods from Canadian rapper Drake and American record producer Timbaland.[20][21]

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.[22]

In April 2020, she received her Grammy nomination certificate for her work as a composer on The Lion King: The Gift.[23]

In June 2021, she received her Grammy second nomination certificate for her work as a composer on The Lion King: The Gift.[24] In the same month Niniola got inducted into the Grammy Recording Academy Class of 2021.[25]

In July 2021, Niniola's single, "Maradona" was certified gold in South Africa by the Recording Industry of South Africa RISA.[26]

In January 2023, Niniola's single, "Maradona" was certified Platinum in South Africa by the Recording Industry of South Africa RISA.[27]

Artistry

Her style of music conveys the impression of a blend of afrobeats, amapiano and house music , Niniola refers to this style of music as "afrohouse".[28] The style of music additionally appears to be referred to as "afropiano".[29] In an interview with Gbolahan Adeyemi of NGWide in 2015, she stated she loves singing in Yoruba because it makes the song delivery beautiful.[30][31][32]

Personal life

Niniola is the older sister of singer Teni.[33][34]

Discography

Collaborative albums and EPs

  • This is Me (2017)[35][36]
  • Colours and Sounds (2020)[37]
  • 6th Heaven (EP) (2021)[38]
  • Lagos to Jozi (EP) (2021)[39]

Selected awards and nominations

Year Award ceremony Prize Result Ref
2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Most Promising Act to Watch Nominated [40]
Nigerian Achievers Award Best Promising Female Artist of The Year Nominated [41]
Lagos Fashion Awards Most Fashionable Fast Rising Music Star Of The Year Female Nominated [42]
Scream Awards Best New Act Female Nominated [43]
City People Entertainment Awards Most Promising Act of the Year (Female) Nominated
2016 ACI Awards New Artist Of The Year Nominated [44]
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best New Act Nominated
All Africa Music Awards Best Female Artiste in West Africa Nominated [45]
Best Artiste/Duo/Group In African RnB & Soul Nominated [46]
Songwriter of the Year In Africa for "Mbilo Mbilo" (Remix) Nominated [46]
Best African Collaboration for "Mbilo Mbilo" (Remix) Won [47]
Nigerian Music Video Awards Best RnB Video for "Akara Oyibo" Nominated [48]
ELOY Awards Upcoming Female Music Artist Nominated [49]
Soundcity MVP Awards Festival Best Collaboration for "Mbilo Mbilo" (Remix) Nominated [50]
Best New Artiste Nominated [51]
Top Naija Music Award Artiste of the Year Nominated [52][53]
2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Afropop Female Artiste Nominated [54]
AFRIMMA Best Newcomer Nominated [55]
City People Entertainment Awards Music Artiste Of The Year Female Nominated [56]
Nigerian Teens Choice Awards Choice Female Vocalist of the Year Won [57]
All Africa Music Awards Best Artiste African Electro Nominated [58]
Soundcity MVP Awards Festival Best Female MVP Nominated [59]
Best Pop Nominated [59]
Listener's Choice Nominated [59]
2018 Maya Awards (Africa) Youth Artiste of The Year Won [60]
Glazia Awards Glazia Persons of The Year Won [61]
The Headies Best R&B/Pop Album Nominated [62]
Best Vocal Performance (Female) Nominated [62]
Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year Nominated [62]
South African Music Awards Best African Artist Album Nominated [63]
BET Awards Viewers Choice Best New International Act Nominated [64]
IARA Awards Best International Female Artist Nominated [65]
Ghana-Naija Showbiz Awards Best Female Act Won [66]
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Afropop Female Artist Nominated [67]
The Future Awards The Future Awards Africa Prize in Music Nominated [68]
Soundcity MVP Awards Festival Viewer's Choice Nominated [69]
Best Female MVP Nominated [69]
2019 African Music Magazine Awards Best Female West Africa Nominated [70]
All Africa Music Awards Best Female West Africa Nominated [71]
Best Artiste,Duo or Group in African Electro Nominated [71]
Best African Dance or Choreography Nominated [71]
2021 MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS (MAMAs) “Alone Together” Best Lockdown Performance Nominated [72]
The Headies Best Vocal Performance (Female) Won [73]
All Africa Music Awards Best Female Artist in Western Africa Nominated [74]
Best Artist, Duo or Group In African Electro - "Addicted" Nominated
African Entertainment Awards USA (AEAUSA) Best Female Artist Nominated [75]
2022 The Headies Best Vocal Performance (Female) "6th Heaven" Nominated [76]
Best R&B Single "Promise" Nominated [76]
Best Female Artiste Nominated [76]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "MTN Project Fame Season 6 Contestants Unveiled". P.M. News. 2 August 2013. Archived from the original on 27 October 2019. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  2. ↑ "NINIOLA | Biography". Archived from the original on 2022-12-23. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
  3. ↑ Ige, Tofarati (8 November 2015). "Music industry has been kind to me — Niniola". Vanguard News. Archived from the original on 9 June 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  4. ↑ Abimboye, Micheal (2015-04-26). "Project Fame prepared me for a bigger stage - Niniola". Premium Times Nigeria. Archived from the original on 2022-12-23. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
  5. 1 2 Ajose, Kehinde (21 February 2015). "Why I am still relevant after Project Fame — Niniola Apata". Vanguard News. Archived from the original on 23 May 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  6. ↑ "NINIOLA | AUDIO: NINIOLA – IBADI (PROD. BY SARZ)". Archived from the original on 2022-12-23. Retrieved 2022-12-23.
  7. ↑ Lalaboiy (11 June 2015). "The 10th NEA Awards 2015 Nominees List". notJustOk. Archived from the original on 14 April 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  8. 1 2 Abimboye, Micheal (26 April 2015). "Project Fame prepared me for a bigger stage – Niniola". Premium Times. Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  9. ↑ Nurse, Earl and Arit Okpo (November 4, 2020). "A polygamous upbringing and a tragic loss contribute to the confidence heard in Niniola's music". CNN. Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  10. ↑ Ogbeche, Danielle (18 November 2015). "Niniola reveals the only challenge she has in music industry". Daily Post News. Archived from the original on 21 September 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  11. ↑ Akan, Joey (19 March 2014). "Life After Project Fame: Listen To Niniola - Ibadi". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  12. ↑ Michael (1 December 2014). "VIDEO: NINIOLA – IBADI (OFFICIAL VIDEO)". Naija Review. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  13. ↑ Demola OG (21 January 2015). "15 Artists to Watch in 2015". notJustOk. Archived from the original on 10 May 2017. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  14. ↑ Hassan Sanusi (12 June 2015). "Full list of nominees for Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2015". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 21 June 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  15. ↑ jonathan (7 June 2017). "How 'Maradona' singer scored one of the hottest songs in Nigeria – Niniola". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  16. ↑ michael (14 January 2018). "Niniola tops Metro Fm South Africa charts with "MARADONA" – Niniola". Officialniniola. Archived from the original on 1 November 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  17. ↑ Kami Simmons (6 June 2018). "What You Need To Know About Niniola The Afro-House Queen – Niniola". BET. Archived from the original on 8 August 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  18. ↑ Bernard Dayo (22 April 2018). "Niniola and Wizkid are repping Naija at the 2018 SAMAs for Best African Artiste Album". Ynaija. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  19. ↑ djruffee (13 July 2018). "DJ Snake X Niniola – Maradona Riddim". Jaguda. Archived from the original on 23 November 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  20. ↑ OKAYAFRICA (16 April 2019). "Apparently Drake Is Niniola's New Big Fan". Okay Africa. Archived from the original on 4 April 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  21. ↑ Kam Tambini (12 July 2019). "Video: Niniola Talks Afro-House and Getting Co-Signs From Timbaland & Drake". OKAYAFRICA. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  22. ↑ BEYONCE (19 July 2019). "THE LION KING: THE GIFT CREDITS". BEYONCE. Archived from the original on 20 October 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  23. ↑ "Niniola Receives Grammy Certificate For Her Work On Beyonce's Album, Gift". NotJustOk. 2020-04-23. Archived from the original on 2020-04-25. Retrieved 2020-04-24.
  24. ↑ "Niniola receives Grammy Award certificates for 'Lion King' album". TheNation. 2021-06-09. Archived from the original on 2021-08-04. Retrieved 2021-08-04.
  25. ↑ "Niniola joins Grammy Recording Academy Class". TheNation. 2021-06-29. Archived from the original on 2021-08-03. Retrieved 2021-08-04.
  26. ↑ "Niniola's "Maradona" Certified Gold in South Africa, Announces New Music". NotJustOk. 2021-08-03. Archived from the original on 2021-08-03. Retrieved 2021-08-04.
  27. ↑ "Niniola's Maradona Goes Platinum In South Africa!!!". Officialniniola. 2023-06-05. Archived from the original on 2023-06-05. Retrieved 2023-06-05.
  28. ↑ "Exclusive: Singer Niniola Talks About Her Music, Charity Organization And More". Naij. 10 August 2015. Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
  29. ↑ Ayeni, Tofe (13 September 2022). "From Afrobeats to Amapiano, is it time for Afropiano on the global stage?". The Africa Report. Archived from the original on 13 September 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  30. ↑ "NGwide Interview: Niniola Mp3, Video". NGwide.net. 2015-10-03. Archived from the original on 2022-10-03. Retrieved 2020-12-24.
  31. ↑ Music, Playlists & (24 August 2020). "The Timeless Hit-Making Relationship between SARZ and Niniola". More Branches. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  32. ↑ Ngema, Zee (2 October 2020). "Niniola Brings Africa To The World With New Album 'Colours and Sounds'". Okay Africa. Archived from the original on 4 December 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  33. ↑ "My love for Niniola stronger than music –Teni Entertainer". Punch Newspapers. Archived from the original on 2018-09-18. Retrieved 2018-09-23.
  34. ↑ "Here Are The Things To Love And Admire About Teni Entertainer - Nigerian Entertainment Today". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 2018-09-26. Archived from the original on 2018-10-26. Retrieved 2018-10-26.
  35. ↑ Ejiofor, Yvonne (2017-10-31). "Niniola Releases Debut Album 'This Is Me'". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Archived from the original on 2023-11-08. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  36. ↑ "'This is Me' lands Niniola new deal". Tribune Online. 2017-11-18. Archived from the original on 2023-11-08. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  37. ↑ Colours and Sounds by Niniola, archived from the original on 2021-02-24, retrieved 2021-01-22
  38. ↑ "AUDIO: NINIOLA – 6TH HEAVEN (THE EP)". 9 March 2021. Archived from the original on 10 March 2021. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  39. ↑ "LISTEN: Niniola Explores Sounds From 'Lagos To Jozi' on New EP". 12 November 2021. Archived from the original on 4 December 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
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  76. 1 2 3 Kanmodi, Funmilayo (24 May 2022). "#15thHeadies: Full List Of Nominees For The Headies Award 2022". Notjustok. Archived from the original on 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
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