•NINIOLA Tells City People
Niniola Akpata popularly known as Niniola is an artiste who came to limelight after the 6th season of Project Fame and then was signed to EME. Niniola is a singer and song writer. she now owns a record label which she’s currently signed into called “drumrolls”. She recently dropped a song titled BANA which has gained massive airplay around the country, Nini is ready to contend with anyone who stands on her way to stardom. In this interview with City People Entertainment Reporter she talked about her journey so far.
Who is Niniola?
Niniola is a proud Yoruba girl from Ilejemeje in Ekiti state, born and brought up in Lagos State. She loves music, loves to sing, she is very playful, down to earth, and loves all the good things of life.
How has the journey been so far?
The journey has been amazing, stressful, hard and above all Educative. A lot of things I didn’t know before coming into the industry, i got to learn on the job. But overall God has been Grateful and my achievements so far can only be attributed to the work of God.
How was growing up like?
Well. growing up was so much fun…I am from a very Loving and Caring home, my Late Dad was married to 3 women who loved themselves dearly and have also thought us to love each other. As a kid, my late Dad will play his records and have me dance for him while he recorded me on his Cam. In the house no one could ever lay a finger on me because I was his favorite and he listened to only me (laughs) …Then it was fun though, how we will rush to go pick up our food and all.
What inspires your kind of music, you seem to be different?
Yeah, everyone says so, maybe because House Music chose me A lot of the time my inspiration comes from either the Beat, my experiences, other peoples experience or a made up story. If the beat gives me a happy vibe all that will come out will be happy, and if its sad then we go that way. I am also a good story teller, so some times that comes into play as well.
How long have you beeninto music?
Professionally I have been into music for 4years now because I started in 2014. Before that I was the girl jumping from one talent show to another, who later got her own band and started performing at lounges and events. But professionally I started in 2014.
As a lady how do you cope with the males in the industry?
Oh, I cope very well with them, I am actually friends with a couple of them. We play and chat when we see, its cool.
What are the challenges you’ve faced ?
Well, the major challenge I faced at some point was funds, because this our work dey chop money die. But apart from that nothing really. The Love has been amazing and it pushes me to do more.
If there was no musicwhat will our Maradona crooner be doing?
That’s easy, nah, if I wasn’t doing music I would have been a Teacher in our family school Apata Memorial.
What is the inspiration behind the hit track Maradona?
Well I got a dark vibe from the beat the first time I heard it and at the same time a dance feel. So while in the studio vibing with Sarz I was laying down some lyrics (shey footballer ni e) and I said Oh, Maradona, and immediately Sarz said that was the chorus.
The Story of the song was from other peoples experience and some jara here and there.
How is yourrelationship with your record label?
I guess you don’t know, I co-own my record label (Drumroll Records) with my manager Michael Ndika who also owns the company that manages me Naija Review Limited.
So with that I guess I would say my relationship with my record label is AWESOME.
Shaku Shaku is said tobe a trend what’s your take on this?
Hmmmm, well its a trend like you said and its one that I like…
How do you stay awayfrom scandals ?
I am always indoors, you never see me out unless I am working. So unless the scandal wants to come and meet me inside my house o, I don’t see that happening. Thats how I stay away.
Your new song BANA,what will you say inspired it?
Well, Bana in Swahili means MY MAN, just so you know. And it was us just wanting to dance and we were in a crazy mood in the studio. When I dropped the vibe everyone liked the freestyle and we decided to fill it up and make it a song.
Did you feel Bana would be a hit? How did you rate it on a scale of 10?
Bana was an instant HIT when it dropped, so I will say 20/10 sef.
Have you ever thought of giving up?
Giving Up Nahhhhh…I was made for this, and with God by my side, it can only get better.
Any Embarrassing moment?
Embarrassing moment not really…
In 2 years from now where do you see Niniola?
In 2years? Hmm mm I really see myself doing a lot more, God has been leading and I just follow…For example I never thought by now I would have been nominated for a BET Award, SAMAs etc but I was. So I go with God.
Any other thing you would like your fans to know?
I am sure they know a lot already…I don’t know if you know about my NGO Adopt-A-Childs-Education, its a project I handle on the side. Where I give scholarships, provide books and stationaries for public schools and all.
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