Niniola’s Independence Anthem: How the Queen of Afrohouse Rejected Record Deals to Own Her Sound
Niniola’s Bold Choice: Saying ‘No’ to Labels, Owning Her Legacy Nigerian Afrohouse icon Niniola Apata, celebrated for global hits like ‘Maradona’ and ‘Ibadi’, has revealed she rejected multiple record deals to retain full creative control, cementing her status as the genre’s trailblazing “Queen.” In an interview with Hip TV, the 38-year-old artist unpacked her decade-long journey as an independent act and why autonomy trumps industry pressures. Why Niniola Chose Independence Over Mainstream Deals After her 2014 breakout single ‘Ibadi’ drew label interest, Niniola opted out, fearing creative compromise: “Labels invest but demand you fit their mold. I couldn’t live with that.” Genre Challenges: Afrohouse—a fusion of African rhythms and electronic beats—was niche in Nigeria’s mainstream at the time. Skepticism: Warned that singing in Yoruba might limit her reach, she doubled down: “Here I am, proving them wrong.” Label Launch: Partnered with her manager to create her own platform, navigating the “pros and […]