By: Odeh Favour Adiya
Popular Nigerian Afro-house singer, Niniola Apata, has broken down in tears while paying a glowing tribute to her late husband, Michael Ndika. The Grammy-nominated music star opened up on the deep romance they shared, revealing that he was the solid pillar behind her successful music career.
In an emotional video shared on X, Niniola recounted how their relationship beautifully evolved into a powerful partnership that completely reshaped her music career and personal life.
The deceased, who was the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview—a multimedia platform focusing on afro-house and contemporary African music passed away on May 19, 2026, at the young age of 44.
The revelation of his death completely caught many fans and industry stakeholders off guard as many members of the public were previously unaware that the singer was even married.
Speaking through tears in the moving footage, Niniola described their union in the most touching way.
“My story with Michael is a love story. Michael did everything for me. Everything was for me, he was breathing for me.
He loved me, I loved him so much. And I learned so much from Michael,” she said.
The singer credited her late husband with helping her achieve massive success in the competitive music industry, noting that despite her naturally reserved personality, Ndika transformed her life completely after they met by introducing her to new experiences and constantly pushing her career forward.
Recalling their early days, she said,
“But Michael met me raw, and he said, ‘I’ll make you a superstar.’ And he did. I was just the face and the voice, but Michael was the engine.”
The “Maradona” crooner further disclosed how her husband ensured she did not quit music.
“Even when I decided to, you know, give music a break, he didn’t let it,” she said.
Reflecting heavily on the massive void his demise has left in her heart, Niniola described him as the most important person in her life.
“The first person I saw in the morning was Michael. And the last person who closed my eyes at night was Michael. So now what do I do? Tell me, what do I do? Michael was the best thing, the best person that ever happened to me,” she wept.
The singer expressed her profound gratitude to the Ndika family for warmly accepting her. She also acknowledged the heavy shock that followed the announcement of his death and offered an apology to those who felt hurt by the circumstances surrounding the disclosure.
