Niniola sauntered to fame audaciously as one would expect of an already-made pop star. Only that, she was young with a daring dream, 2 million naira cash prize from Nigeria’s biggest music talent reality show, and ultimately, a golden voice to be revered. Before the fame were also ears that had heard the daunting disappointment of no’s but remained unfettered, thirsting only for the greatest and doing the work required in anticipation of being the best, “I got my fair share of no’s, that I was not good enough, but I didn’t let all that deter me. All I did was work on my art to get better, and I told myself I’ll be so good, no one will be able to question my craft,”
Niniola’s mind was ever ready which is why by the time she emerged as the third runner-up in Project Fame’s Season 6, her default reaction was to pursue a long-lasting music career. She recalls typing into Google’s search bar, “Top Nigerian producers” with Sarz’s name topping the list repeatedly. Meeting Sarz was a detour but the prize at the end would be worth the hassle with a music producer chemistry that birthed solitaire hits, and an artist manager relationship with Michael—Sarz’s manager—spanning 11 years. Amidst cheery laughter, Niniola reminisces about her first interaction with Sarz; a rather audacious statement for an upcoming artist, but proof that she knew her onions, she said to him, “I want a hit song”.
Her sobriquet, Queen of AfroHouse, stuck following the release of subsequent singles bearing evidence of her ingenuity and ability to blend multiple influences to carve a unique genre, “Sarz asked me what sound I was going for, and I said any sound that can accommodate singing and dancing. He made the beat for Ibadi. Ibadi dropped and it was a banger. People loved it. When I dropped another single, Soke, people called me the Queen of AfroHouse. ”
But with ingenuity comes the doubt of longevity. Speculations flew about the ephemeral nature of a new genre in comparison to mainstream Afrobeats music and Niniola, who had unshakable belief in the vibrant nature of her newly-discovered genre remained unperturbed, “Initially, some people were skeptical about the longevity of the genre, because I sing in Yoruba as well, but for me, I know that if you do dance music, music that touches people, nothing can stop you really. I’ve been able to pull through because it’s an interesting genre, it’s not a genre that will make you fall asleep. It’s like ‘Wake Up!’ and get that burst of energy.”
The Queen of AfroHouse’s repertoire currently boasts over 50 songs including 3 albums—“This Is Me”, “Colors and Sounds”, “Press Play”— and 2 EPs—“6th Heaven”, “Lagos to Jozi”. She also has several awards to her name including Best Vocal Performance(Female) at The Headies 2020 for “Addicted” and a Grammy nomination for composition and songwriting credits on Beyoncé’s “Find Your Way Back” off “The Lion King” Album.
A sanguine energy characterizes “Press Play” and is in fact an intentional motive for what Niniola wanted it to represent—a ray of sunshine in the dwindling economy of Africa’s most populous country, an epitome of joy through the pain and a beacon of color for darkened minds. “Press Play, as the title implies, means that when you literally press play and you start to play the album, you’re not going to skip it. You’re just going to listen through and enjoy. My intent was to help people escape from the problems of the world; the economy. Help them escape to another realm, have fun, dance, just take a moment to love yourself and forget about your sorrow.” Throughout the 38 minutes, and 45 seconds Niniola maneuvers our listening experience on “Press Play”, the sun indeed shines and bodies sway to the full-fledged masterpiece this 14-track album is.
“Press Play” also mirrors the picturesque performer’s artistry. For her, music and dance are two sides of a coin. One does not outweigh the other, “I’ve always been tickled by dance, the female body, and how you can use it to entertain yourself and move to the rhythm. If I were to choose between music and dance, I’ll pick both.”
Walking down memory lane to 2018, the songstress’ solo concert, “The Human Radio” premiered. With every note she hit and every move she made, the night bubbled with blithe energy and zestful reception, “Prior to my concert, of course, I’d been climbing stages and performing and gotten reactions from people, but this one was different because it was all about Niniola. People were there to vibe to all the songs. It was like having a moment with family, with people that love you so much.”
Niniola’s career has traversed a decade with a thriving career and ever-improving artistry. What started as a daring dream has grown past the horizons and bloomed into a rich repertoire, all of which she expresses utmost satisfaction. Yet, for all her undeniable talent, the maestro remains most grateful for the unwavering support she’s received at every turn, especially as an independent artist, “I am grateful for the people that support me and listen to my music, I do not take them for granted. I’m thankful for the people I’ve met on the way, people that have become very dear friends. It’s been a beautiful journey. I’ve had challenges, but I don’t wear my challenges on my sleeve. I only think of the good memories, I’d do it all over again and not change one thing.”
