27 Feb LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER: Niniola Apata: Self-expression Through Music

ABISOLA ALAWODE

— Feb 27, 2015

The list of musicians who have moved on to stardom from music reality shows is far from lengthy. One person who will give anything within her means to join that list is MTN Project Fame VI third runner-up, Niniola Apata. She discloses her game-plan to ESSENTIALS.  

You have definitely come a long way since your days at the MTN Project Fame academy. How have you fared since you left the academy?

The journey after Project Fame, which is still on-going by the way, has been exhilarating. The beauty of expressing myself through my music and learning about the business part of music has got me really occupied and my team has really got me up to speed with the whole thing.

How important have the lessons you learnt in the house been in your career?

The most important lesson I learnt in the house is embracing the African culture and staying true to myself. More importantly, you can’t over-emphasise the need for hard work in this business.

Your recent single Akara Oyinbo sounds very peculiar. Tell us more about it.

Akara Oyinbo literally means cake and it signifies sweetness, love and is used during marriage ceremonies. Since it’s the season of love, I thought it would be great to give lovers all over Nigeria something to listen to and enjoy.

It’s a norm for artistes all over the world to use a nickname or pseudonym when representing their brand. In your case, though, you chose to go with the name ‘Niniola’. Why?

In Yorubaland and some other parts, a child is named due to circumstances or happenings around the time of their birth. Niniola means having wealth (my family had our first television set at the time of my birth) so I was considered a blessing. I also believe in the power of a name; that’s the reason I use my name.

As a female musician in the Nigerian music industry, what are some of the challenges you have encountered?

Honestly, I knew I would have faced a lot of challenges. But I’m thankful for the kind of management team I have. With their immense experience and understanding of the industry, they usually tackle these challenges before it gets to me. Another major challenge I face is the issue of finance but God has been faithful, so far.

Some are of the view that musical competitions like MTN Project Fame are a waste of time. They often say very few of the contestants go on to become successful. What is your take on this?

Reality television shows like Project Fame are a great blessing to aspiring musicians, because they provide a platform for the tutoring and aiding of the careers of a number of artistes. Personally, I feel that after you leave Project Fame, it is up to the contestant to further push themselves and make something out of their careers.

Your voice is a unique selling point for you. Do you have any special way of maintaining it?

Well, I maintain my voice by drinking lots of water, doing voice exercises and rehearsing, basically.

With the immense recognition Nigerian music is getting, do you think our music has arrived?

Well, I would say Nigerian music is fast rising by the day. It is amazing how far our music has come. For example, sometime, last month, my song Gbowode was playing in Brooklyn, New York and the massive response from the Jamaicans there was so awesome. They didn’t understand a word in the song but they grooved so hard to it. I’ll say our music is getting better.

What inspires your style of music?

My style of music is inspired by the type of music I listened to while growing up. Thus, I have an endless list of musicians who influenced me; Angelique Kidjo, Whitney Houston, Dolly Patton, Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, The Cranberries, The Beatles etc.

Which musician would you like to work with in future (both internationally and locally)?

I would love to make music with Angelique Kidjo, Toni Braxton, Beyoncé, Dolly Parton and a couple of others.

Considering that 2015 is an election year, what piece of advice do you have for both the electorate and politicians?

My advice to politicians is for them to always remember that its humans they govern and we vote for them in the hopes that they’ll do all they have promised to during their campaigns. I advise them to keep to their promises and make Nigeria a better place.

What are your plans for the future and what should fans expect from Niniola?

Niniola will be recording more songs and shooting more videos, so that the world will know me through my music. In essence, my fans should continue to expect quality music from me.

Vicks Lemon Plus or Tom-Tom?

Tom-Tom, any day.

What essential items do you need in the studio?

My studio essentials include a computer system with music production software, microphone, speakers, sound card, keyboard and mixers, pen and paper, as well as a bottle of drinking water.

Have you any interest in another career or, perhaps, other aspects of the entertainment industry?

Yes, maybe, being a music producer…lol

What three songs are on current rotation in your car?

Akara Oyibo (Niniola), Sanko (Timaya) and Linger (The Cranberries).

Who is that person or persons you would do almost anything for?

This one’s easy: my family, friends and management team (Naijareview).

What is your ultimate goal as a musician?

Amongst other things, the ultimate goal is to touch lives with my music.

Who is Niniola?

Niniola is a free-spirited girl who loves to sing and dance.