Niniola returns with ‘O Du Mi’ after husband’s death

Afro-house singer Niniola Apata is set to release a new single, O Du Mi, months after the death of her husband, Michael Ndika.

The song, scheduled for release on Aug. 14, will be her first major musical project since Ndika’s death in May 2026.

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Ndika, who was the CEO of NaijaReview and also served as Niniola’s manager, was married to the singer for 13 years.

Following his death, Niniola shared emotional messages on social media as she mourned her husband, describing him as her “best friend, confidant, pillar, business partner and husband.”

The singer said her new single reflects a deeply personal period in her life, exploring themes of love, loss and emotional healing.

“Some feelings are too deep for words. So I put them in a song,” she wrote while sharing a preview of the track.

Despite her loss, Niniola has gradually resumed public engagements, including live performances and appearances. She was also recently spotted at the album launch of her younger sister, singer Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni.

Ahead of one of her performances, Niniola acknowledged the difficulty of returning to music while grieving, saying she believed her late husband would have wanted her to continue pursuing her passion.

“There are no words for a moment like this, but I know he’d want me to keep singing, to keep showing up, and to keep sharing the gift we’ve always believed in,” she said.

The release of O Du Mi is expected to mark a new chapter in Niniola’s career as she continues to build on her distinctive Afro-house sound.

Known for songs including “Maradona” and “Designer,” Niniola remains one of Nigeria’s prominent Afro-house artistes, blending traditional African influences with contemporary sounds.