LAGOS — Afro-house star Niniola Apata has shared a heart-wrenching tribute to her late husband and longtime manager, Michael Ndika, during a service of songs held this week ahead of his burial.
Dressed in an all-white ensemble, the Grammy-nominated singer delivered an emotional eulogy, reflecting on the deep, private bond they shared over their 13-year marriage. In a voice thick with emotion, Niniola recounted how Ndika, the CEO of the music platform NaijaReview, served as both her confidant and the "engine" behind her successful music career.
"My story with Michael is a love story," Niniola told those gathered. "He was breathing for me. He loved me so much, and I learned so much from Michael. He met me raw, and he said he would make me a superstar and he did. I was just the face and the voice, but Michael was the engine."
Niniola, who has historically kept her domestic life shielded from public scrutiny, described her husband as her best friend, provider, and greatest pillar of support. She admitted that his passing has left a devastating void in her life, noting that their daily routines were deeply intertwined. "The first person I saw in the morning was Michael, and the last person before I closed my eyes was Michael. So now, what do I do?" she asked.
The singer also addressed his family, expressing her gratitude for the man he was and apologizing to those who were surprised by the revelation of their long-standing union, which had been kept private for over a decade.
The news of Michael Ndika’s passing on May 19, 2026, at the age of 44, came as a shock to fans and the wider entertainment industry, as Niniola had previously been very protective of her personal life. Since announcing the loss on social media, she has received an outpouring of support from colleagues and fans who continue to honor Ndika’s legacy as a strategic figure who helped shape the digital promotion of contemporary African music.
