LAGOS — Grammy-nominated Nigerian afro-house singer Niniola Apata has announced the death of her husband, Michael Ndika. The singer made the disclosure in a series of emotional posts on her Instagram story in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Ndika was the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview, a multimedia platform focused on afro-house and contemporary African music. He had been a quiet but significant figure in the background of Niniola’s career, supporting her music and media presence for over a decade.
Niniola shared three posts without full explanation. In one she wrote simply: “God took him. 13 years. 13 f***ing years.” Each post came with a photograph of herself and her late husband. The circumstances of his death have not been disclosed. Niniola has always kept her private life away from the public eye.
The Nigerian entertainment industry responded with an outpouring of condolences. Fellow musicians, Nollywood actors, and industry executives flooded social media with messages of sympathy. Many described Ndika as a kind and dedicated individual who was deeply loved by those who knew him.
Who Was Niniola?
Niniola, 39, rose to prominence after finishing as a top contestant on Project Fame West Africa in 2013. She went on to become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated music exports, building a reputation as the queen of afro-house with a distinctive deep voice and high-energy performances.
In addition, she received a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance, reflecting her growing international profile. Her music has been streamed hundreds of millions of times across platforms. She has collaborated with international DJs and producers and performed at major events around the world.
Furthermore, Niniola is the sister of comedian Falz, one of Nigeria’s most popular entertainers. The Apata family is one of the most prominent in Nigerian entertainment. Falz has not yet made a public statement on the loss of his sister’s husband.
A Community in Grief
The news of Ndika’s death has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s entertainment community. Coming just weeks after the death of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, it serves as another reminder of the fragility of life and the personal losses that often go unnoticed behind public personas.
Mental health advocates encouraged Nigerians to reach out to the bereaved with sensitivity and respect for their privacy. They noted that grief is a deeply personal experience and that public figures deserve space to mourn without intrusion.
Niniola has not announced any planned performances or public appearances in the immediate future. Her management team has asked fans and media to respect the family’s need for privacy during this extremely difficult time. Funeral arrangements have not been publicly shared.
Discover more from News247 Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
