In an industry often dominated by fleeting trends and instant hits, Nigerian singer and songwriter Niniola Apata has forged a unique path. Choosing to champion Afro-House—a genre once considered niche and unsellable—she has, over more than a decade, cemented her reputation as the Queen of Afro-House.

“People were unsure about the longevity of the genre,” Niniola reflects, “but thank God, I didn’t have to change to be somebody else.”

The 39-year-old artist from Ekiti State faced repeated rejection early in her career. Talent competitions and auditions often ended with “No, you’re not good enough,” but she turned disappointment into determination.

“I wanted to be so good that nobody could question my craft,” she recalls.

Her persistence bore fruit with the release of her debut album, This Is Me (2017), followed by Colours and Sounds in 2020. Both albums blended deep house rhythms with soulful storytelling, establishing her distinctive sound in an era dominated by Afro-pop.

International recognition soon followed. In 2019, Beyoncé sampled Niniola’s sound on Find Your Way Back from The Lion King: The Gift, earning Niniola songwriting and composition credits on the Grammy-nominated project. She has since collaborated with global artists including DJ Snake and South Africa’s DJ Fresh, further solidifying her status as one of Africa’s most internationally connected dance music voices.

“I’m glad I can be comfortable as an African and sing in my language,” she said.

Her latest single, Belle, has gained attention across social media, quelling rumors about her personal life. Over the years, she has also released projects including 6th Heaven, Lagos to Jozi, and Press Play (2024).

Beyond music, Niniola is committed to social impact through her foundation, Adopt a Child’s Education, inspired by her late father. The initiative focuses on long-term support, funding school infrastructure and electricity, rather than one-off donations.

“I don’t just give to public schools. I support infrastructure and fund electricity where needed,” she explains.