By Christy Anyanwu
Niniola Apata is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She participated in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. After releasing her debut single “Ibadi”, Niniola was nominated for Most Promising Act to Watch at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
The artiste grew up in a polygamous home as the sixth child of 10 siblings raised by three mothers and a father. Her dad, Simeon Olaosebikan Apata, was a retired Nigerian Army brigadier. He was assassinated on January 8, 1995. Niniola is the older sister of Nigerian entertainer, Teni.
Who is Niniola Apata? Tell us more about yourself…?
My name is Niniola Apata, aka Niniola. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 15. I’m a singer/songwriter/performer and an educationist. I am also the founder of Adopt A Child Education. This is an initiative set up to help under-privileged students who are brilliant and can’t afford to pay for school and we provide students with books, sport equipment, school equipment, renovation, etc.
What motivated you to go into music? Why your choice of music?
I guess what motivated me was the fact that I could actually sing very well. I also had family/friends that also saw I had the talent and encouraged me as well. My choice of music was mainly because I wanted a sound that would accommodate my singing and dancing at the same time naturally, I’m a ballard singer, but for the love I have for dancing I decided to infuse dance music. Once in a while I do R’n’b also. I’m a proud Nigerian, I’m a proud Yoruba girl, I love to sing in pidgin, English and Yoruba language and make my audience happy.
What was the reaction of your parents and friends when you told them your desire to sing professionally?
They felt good. I have three mothers, my dad got married to three wives, and they are so proud of me and they have always been there for me. And I’m using this opportunity to thank them for taking good care of me and my siblings. For being there for us, I’m saying thank you. Also, the media are always there to support my music. There is no me without the media, so I thank them. Well, everybody knows how our parents want us to be doctors, lawyers etc. So at first, my mum (as my dad is late) didn’t accept it, but after a while she didn’t have a choice, she just had to give in. As for my friends they were excited, their own is just be successful.
What advice do you have for Nigerian youths that want to become entertainers?
My advice is first of all be yourself. Have confidence in yourself. Who is your God, love your God, pray to your God and also hard work. You cannot sacrifice hard work. Hard work goes a long way. Also, slowly wins the race not that I want to get it now. This person has it all. Everybody has their own time. Work hard, be humble and always have people around you that would take the brand to the next level. Work hard and pray hard, because only God can do it for you, but you must really want it for yourself…. And lastly, have a lot of money. This is very important.
What is your relationship with old friends now that you are a celebrity, do you still hang out with them or you have moved on with your celebrity friends?
First, I am an introvert so I never really go anywhere, I just stay at home…I am still very cool with my old friends. People don’t realize that aspect of my life as an introvert because they see me on stage dancing and having fun but after the entertainment, I’m back to my nest.
As a celebrity, what things have fame robbed you of?
Nothing I can think of. I am still the same person. I haven’t changed. When it comes to the way I think I have learnt new things, I’m into more people and its taking me places.
If you weren’t a musician what else would you have been?
If I wasn’t singing I would be a teacher because I am an educationist, I love to teach. I worked as a teacher for a while. I taught during my teaching practice at Clegg Girls Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos. I taught there for a while before going to my dad’s school where I became a supervisor before I went into music. I also love to make hair. I make my hair, I do my nails by myself. I do my makeup, it’s only when I want to do video shoot that I patronize makeup artists. I love to create things, I’m very feminine.
What challenges do you face as a musician?
As human being, of course, we would face challenges. Whenever challenges come up I pray to God and I work hard and the end result is what matters most.
When are we expecting your collaboration with your younger sister, Teni?
(Laughs) Everyone is looking forward to it. The thing is, it has to be at the right time.