“I miss my father, I was his favourite – Singer Niniola

Award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter Niniola recently shared heartfelt memories of her late father.

“I miss my father, I was his favourite – Singer Niniola

In a recent interview with media personality VJ Adams, the Afro-house queen spoke about the pain of losing her father, the innocence of childhood, and her rise from rejection to recognition in the music industry.

“I miss my father, I was his favourite. I miss that time – the innocence, not paying bills, and my family,” she said.

This offered a rare insight into the softer, more vulnerable side of the hitmaker behind “Maradona”, “Boda Sodiq”, and “Fantasy.”

While much of the conversation focused on her music career, Niniola paused to reflect on her childhood. She expressed a longing for the simpler days before the demands of adulthood and fame, when life was defined by love and security at home.

“Sometimes I just miss being that little girl with no worries, just love from my dad and my family around me,” she added.

Beyond her personal reflections, Niniola spoke openly about the uphill battle she faced breaking into the Nigerian music scene. She revealed that she encountered multiple rejections early on but refused to let them break her spirit.

“First of all, I would say respect for myself, belief in myself, belief in God. Also, my family and friends, because they told me constantly that I was good, so it stuck. So when I got the ‘nos,’ I didn’t give up. I cried, it hurt me. But I decided I would be so good that nobody could question my craft,” she said.

Determined to grow, Niniola joined a live band to sharpen her performance skills and develop her presence on stage. She described the experience as difficult but transformative.

“I went on to join a live band and learnt how to perform to a live audience. I’m glad I did, though it was crazy,” she noted.

Those early years proved pivotal to her evolution as an artist. Niniola has since carved out her own lane with a sound that blends Afrobeat, house, and soul – earning her widespread acclaim both in Nigeria and abroad.

Now an established name in African music, Niniola remains grounded in gratitude. She acknowledged the people who supported her during the tough times and credited them for helping her discover and rediscover herself.

“I am grateful to God, grateful to everyone that has given me an opportunity to discover myself and rediscover myself,” she said.