Nigerian Afrohouse queen Niniola Apata recently opened up about her decision to stay independent despite receiving multiple offers from major record labels. In a candid interview with Hip TV, Niniola revealed that maintaining full creative control over her unique Afrohouse sound—a blend of African rhythms, house beats, and her own artistic flair—was the driving factor behind her choice.
Reflecting on her 2014 breakthrough hit “Ibadi,” she shared how Afrohouse wasn’t widely embraced then, and signing with a label could have forced her to compromise her originality. Instead, Niniola partnered with her former manager to launch her own label, empowering her to protect her artistry and stay true to her vision for over a decade.
Her story is an inspiring testament to the power of independence in the music industry.
She said, “I have been an independent artist for 10 years now, and it has its pros and cons. After I released my debut single in 2014, several record labels were calling me, but at the time, I was skeptical because I didn’t want anyone to take away my creative freedom,” she said.
“At the time, nobody was into my genre, Afrohouse, and you know how labels can say they investing in me and I have to do what they want, and I don’t want that happening to me.
“So, I wasn’t convinced enough to sign to a label. So my former manager, who has become my business partner, decided to set up a label, and that’s what we have been running together.
“Even all through the years, some deals have been coming, but I have not been comfortable with them.
“Afrohouse is a combination of African style and house music, so that makes it Nini, bringing my own flair into house music”.
“It feels good to be known as the queen of Afrohouse, and I have been able to carry on the genre because when I started, some people had concerns about the longevity and the language, because I sing in Yoruba.
She highlighted that authenticity, faith, and gratitude are key to lasting success.
“At the end of the day, I have seen that you just need to be yourself, pray, be thankful, and everything will fall into place”,she added.