Niniola Apata (born 15 December 1986), better known by her stage name Niniola, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She rose to recognition in 2013 after finishing third runner-up on the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa. Upon the release of her breakthrough debut single “Ibadi”, Niniola was nominated in the “Most Promising Act to Watch” category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. She currently has a record deal with Drumroll Records.
Growing up and education
Niniola is a native of Ekiti State but was born in Lagos State where she had her primary and secondary school education at Apata Memorial High School. She is an alumna of the University of Lagos where she graduated with a Bachelor of Education certificate
Early life and career
At high school Niniola participated in several social activities and competitions. She competed in Season 6 of Project Fame West Africa where she placed 3rd Runner-Up. During the competition, she performed a live rendition of “Limpopo” with KCEE and also performed her composition “Itura” which was produced by Cobhams Asuquo. She cites Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, The Cranberries, Madonna, Beyoncé and Angelique Kidjo as her music influences.
On 19 March 2014, Niniola released her debut single “Ibadi”, produced by Sarz. The song received positive critical reviews, topped national music charts and gained extensive airplay. “Ibadi” and her single “Gbowode” were used as soundtracks in the Season 2 of Nigerian television drama series Gidi Up. In 2015, she was listed on notJustOk’s “15 Artists to Watch in 2015” and was nominated in the “Most Promising Act to Watch” category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
Artistry
Niniola describes her style of music as “Afro-House”, a blend of afrobeat and house music.. Niniola Lyrics are mostly in her dialect Yoruba language as she explained in an online interview with Gbolahan Adeyemi of TalkGlitz Media saying she loves her culture and the language makes her song delivery beautiful.
Niniola is the older sister of singer Teni the entertainer.
Discography
Notable awards and nominations
| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Most Promising Act to Watch | Nominated |
| Nigerian Achievers Award | Best Promising Female Artist of The Year | Nominated | |
| LAGOS FASHION AWARDS | MOST FASHIONABLE FAST RISING MUSIC STAR OF THE YEAR FEMALE | Nominated | |
| SCREAM AWARDS | BEST NEW ACT FEMALE | Nominated | |
| City People Entertainment Awards | Most Promising Act of the Year (Female) | Nominated | |
| 2016 | ACI AWARDS | NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR | Nominated |
| Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best New Act | Nominated | |
| Afrima Award | Best Female Artiste in West Africa | Nominated | |
| Best Artiste/duo/Group In African RnB & Soul | Nominated | ||
| Songwriter of the Year In Africa (mbilo mbilo remix) | Nominated | ||
| Best African Collaboration (mbilo mbilo remix) | Won | ||
| Nigerian Music Video Awards | Best RnB Video (Akara Oyibo) | Nominated | |
| ELOY Awards | Upcoming Female Music Artist | Nominated | |
| Soundcity Music Video Awards | Best Collaboration (mbilo mbilo remix) | Nominated | |
| Best New Artiste | Nominated | ||
| Top Naija Music Award | Artiste of the Year | Nominated | |
| 2017 | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | BEST AFROPOP FEMALE ARTISTE | Nominated |
| AFRIMMA AWARDS | BEST NEWCOMER | Nominated | |
| City People Entertainment Awards | MUSIC ARTISTE OF THE YEAR FEMALE | Nominated | |
| Nigerian Teens Choice Awards | Choice Female Vocalist of the Year | Won | |
| AFRIMA | BEST ARTISTE AFRICAN ELECTRO | Nominated | |
| SOUNDCITY MVP AWARDS | BEST FEMALE MVP | Nominated | |
| SOUNDCITY MVP AWARDS | BEST POP | Nominated | |
| SOUNDCITY MVP AWARDS | LISTENER’S CHOICE | Nominated | |
| 2018 | MAYA AWARDS | YOUTH ARTISTE OF THE YEAR | Won |
| GLAZIA AWARDS | GLAZIA PERSONS OF THE YEAR | Won | |
| HEADIES AWARDS | BEST R&B/POP ALBUM | Nominated | |
| HEADIES AWARDS | BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE) | Nominated | |
| HEADIES AWARDS | HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION | Nominated | |
| SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC AWARDS | BEST AFRICAN ARTIST ALBUM | Nominated | |
| BET AWARDS 2018 | VIEWERS CHOICE BEST NEW INTERNATIONAL ACT | Nominated | |
| IARA AWARDS 2018 | BEST INTERNATIONAL FEMALE ARTIST | Nominated | |
| Ghana-Naija Showbiz Awards | Best Female Act | Won | |
| Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Afropop Female Artist | Nominated |
