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Popular Nigerian singer and songwriter, Niniola Apata, has opened up about a deeply painful chapter of her childhood that has remained with her for nearly three decades. In a recent revelation, the Afro-House queen recalled the traumatic day in 1995 when her father was brutally murdered, a tragedy that shaped her childhood and continues to influence her outlook on life and career.
Niniola described her father, Brigadier-General Simeon Olaosebikan Apata, as not just a protective figure but also a man who held his children very close to his heart. “I was my father’s favourite child,” she said while recounting the memory. “I was at home the day he was murdered. Till today, I haven’t gotten over it—and I never will. It wasn’t a good memory.”
Born on 15 December 1986 in Lagos State, Niniola grew up in a large, close-knit family. She is one of the children of the late Apata, a decorated military officer and educationist who founded the well-known Apata Memorial Schools in Lagos. After his untimely death, her mother took on the responsibility of raising the family and preserving his educational legacy, instilling in her children values of hard work, discipline, and resilience.
Despite the family tragedy, Niniola carried on with her education, attending Apata Memorial High School before moving on to the University of Lagos, where she studied Education. During her school days, she was known for her active involvement in cultural events and talent showcases, developing a passion for music from a very young age.
Her professional breakthrough came in 2013, when she contested in the music reality show Project Fame West Africa, finishing as the third runner-up. The exposure gave her the confidence and platform to pursue music full-time. In 2014, she released her debut single Ibadi, produced by Sarz, which quickly became a hit and positioned her as a rising star.
Since then, Niniola has carved a niche for herself in the Nigerian music industry, pioneering Afro-House and blending it with Afrobeats and traditional sounds. Her smash hit Maradona not only topped charts in Nigeria but also gained massive international attention, particularly in South Africa, where it stayed on the charts for weeks.
Behind the spotlight, however, the pain of her father’s death remains a wound that never truly healed. Niniola has admitted that the experience made her more determined to succeed, not only to honor her father’s memory but also to inspire others who have faced similar loss.
Today, she stands tall as one of Africa’s most respected female voices, with multiple awards and nominations to her name. But for Niniola, the success story will always carry a shadow—the haunting memory of the day she lost her father.
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