– Insights on Family, Career, and Future Collabs with Sister Teni
In the ever-evolving world of Nigerian music, where speculation often runs rampant, Afro-house sensation Niniola Apata has stepped forward to address swirling rumors about her personal life.
The 38-year-old singer, best known for her infectious hits like “Maradona,” has firmly denied claims of a secret marriage, putting an end to whispers that her recent low profile in the spotlight was due to a private wedding.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Niniola not only cleared the air on her marital status but also opened up about the possibility of a long-awaited collaboration with her younger sister, fellow music star Teni.
This revelation comes amid a thriving career that has seen Niniola blend Afrobeat rhythms with house music, earning her the moniker “Queen of Afro-House” and a global fanbase.
From Humble Beginnings to Afro-House Royalty: Niniola’s Journey
Born on December 15, 1986, in Lagos, Nigeria, Niniola Apata hails from a polygamous family in Ekiti State, where she was the sixth of ten children raised by her father, Rt. Brigadier General Simeon Olaosebikan Apata, and three mothers.
Tragically, her father was assassinated in 1995 when she was just nine years old, an event that profoundly shaped her resilience and independence.
Despite the challenges, Niniola’s early life was steeped in music and education. She attended Apata Memorial High School—founded by her late father—and later earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lagos.
Niniola’s passion for music ignited during her school days, where she earned the nickname “human radio” for her ability to belt out songs on request for classmates.
Influenced by powerhouse vocalists like Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Dolly Parton, and Madonna, she honed her skills through social activities and competitions.
Her big break came in 2013 when she finished as the third runner-up on the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa, performing memorable renditions like a live cover of Kcee’s “Limpopo” and her original track “Itura,” produced by Cobhams Asuquo.
Launching her professional career in 2014 with the debut single “Ibadi,” produced by Sarz, Niniola quickly made waves in the Nigerian music scene.
Her breakthrough arrived in 2017 with “Maradona,” a track that topped charts in South Africa for weeks and garnered international acclaim, including a shoutout from Beyoncé on the The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack.
Over the years, she has released chart-toppers like “Designer,” “Omo Rapala,” and her 2024 viral hit “Ginger Me,” which sparked conversations for its bold lyrics promoting safe sex and preventing unwanted pregnancies.
Albums such as This Is Me (2017), Colours and Sounds (2020), and her latest Press Play (2024) showcase her unique fusion of Afro-house, blending pulsating beats with empowering themes of self-expression and femininity.
Niniola’s rise hasn’t been without hurdles. Growing up in a polygamous household taught her the value of confidence and speaking her truth—qualities that resonate in her music and public persona.
As she told CNN in a 2020 interview, her upbringing and the loss of her father contributed to the unapologetic boldness heard in her tracks, encouraging women to embrace their voices unfiltered.
Addressing the Secret Marriage Speculations Head-On
The rumors began circulating on social media and gossip mills, suggesting that Niniola’s reduced public appearances were a deliberate move to hide a secret marriage, possibly to safeguard her career bookings or maintain a mysterious allure.
Fans speculated that the “Maradona” hitmaker had tied the knot in a low-key ceremony, leading to her stepping back from the limelight.
However, Niniola wasted no time in setting the record straight during her Yanga FM Lagos interview.
“I don’t care whatever anyone does or says regarding my personal life. After all, I’m not a 12-year-old. I’m old enough to say whatever I want to say with my full chest. I’m not married,” she declared emphatically.
Her response highlights a mature perspective on privacy in the age of constant scrutiny, reminding fans that celebrities are entitled to their personal boundaries without fueling unfounded narratives.
This isn’t the first time Niniola has faced personal rumors; her single status has been a topic of discussion in past interviews, where she’s emphasized focusing on her craft over societal pressures to settle down.
At 38, she remains unbothered, channeling her energy into music that empowers and entertains.
The Sibling Dynamic: A Potential Collaboration with Teni on the Cards?
Niniola also touched on her relationship with her younger sister, Teniola Apata (professionally known as Teni the Entertainer), born on December 23, 1993.
The two sisters, both products of the Apata family legacy, have carved out distinct paths in the industry—Teni with her eclectic Afrobeats style and hits like “Askamaya,” “Case,” and “Uyo Meyo,” which propelled her to stardom after signing with Dr. Dolor Entertainment in 2017.
Teni, who holds a degree in Business Administration from American InterContinental University, shares a similar backstory of overcoming family tragedy and pursuing music with unyielding passion.
Fans have long clamored for a joint project between the Apata sisters, and Niniola addressed this in the interview.
She explained that a collaboration would only materialize “when the time and circumstances are right,” underscoring that “music is a business, and there’s no family in business.”
This pragmatic approach reflects the professional boundaries they maintain, even as siblings.
Interestingly, earlier hints suggest excitement is building. In a January 2025 Hip TV interview, Niniola teased that a collab was “in the works already,” sparking buzz among fans eager for a sibling synergy that could blend Niniola’s house-infused vibes with Teni’s playful, soulful energy.
Both sisters wrapped up 2024 strongly—Teni with her album Tears of the Sun and Niniola with Press Play—setting the stage for what could be one of Afrobeats’ most anticipated duets.
Looking Ahead: Niniola’s Enduring Impact on Nigerian Music
As Niniola continues to navigate fame with grace and authenticity, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists, particularly women in the male-dominated Nigerian music industry.
From her polygamous roots and personal losses to global hits and unyielding confidence, she embodies resilience.
Whether debunking rumors or teasing future projects, Niniola remains focused on her art, proving that true success lies in staying true to oneself.
For fans, this interview not only quells marriage speculations but also reignites hope for a Niniola-Teni powerhouse track. As the Queen of Afro-House presses play on her next chapter, the world watches eagerly.
Stay tuned for more updates on Niniola Apata’s career, marriage rumors, and potential collaborations—because in her words, she’s saying it all with her full chest.
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