Niniola's First Major Release Since Husband's Death
Afro-house singer Niniola Apata is set to release her new single 'O Du Mi' on Friday, marking her first major musical release since the death of her husband, Michael Ndika, in May 2026. The song, which fans have already glimpsed through a preview, is described by the singer as an outlet for feelings she could not express with words.
“Some feelings are too deep for words. So I put them in a song,” Niniola wrote while sharing a preview of the track. The release comes months after Ndika, her husband of 13 years and longtime manager, passed away, a loss that became public in May 2026 when she shared a series of emotional posts announcing his death.
A Gradual Return to the Public Eye
Niniola's return to music has been gradual. She has slowly stepped back into the public space, allowing music and performance to become part of her grieving process. Recently, she appeared at a stage performance where she once again connected with an audience through music, a significant step for an artiste who had largely withdrawn following her loss.
She was also spotted at her younger sister Teniola Apata's album launch, where the sisters shared a touching moment. Niniola's return to the stage has come with a clear acknowledgement that performing again does not mean the pain has disappeared. Ahead of one of her stage appearances, she reflected on the difficulty of performing after losing the person who had been closely involved in her life and career.
“There are no words for a moment like this, but I know he’d want me to keep singing, to keep showing up, and to keep sharing the gift we’ve always believed in,” she said.
Details of the Loss and Its Impact
Niniola's loss became public in May 2026, when she shared a series of emotional posts announcing Ndika's death. In one post, she wrote, “God took him,” before following it with, “My husband died.” The revelation surprised many fans because Niniola had kept her marriage away from the public eye. Ndika was the CEO of NaijaReview and had also worked closely with the singer as her manager.
In the weeks that followed, Niniola offered glimpses into the depth of her grief. In one of her most revealing posts, she described still expecting Ndika to walk through the door and referred to him as her best friend, confidant, pillar, business partner and husband. With 'O Du Mi', she appears to be turning emotions that have been difficult to articulate into sound, giving fans the opportunity to hear how the experience has shaped her artistry.
