The Grammy-nominated artist broke the news in brief but poignant messages accompanied by photos of the couple, expressing shock and grief over the loss.
“God took him,” she wrote in her first post, followed shortly by, “My husband died.” In a third message, she added: “God took him. 13 years. 13 f_ing years.”
The posts, which offered no further details, immediately drew attention across social media, with fans and industry colleagues expressing condolences and support.
Who Was Michael Ndika?
Michael Ndika was the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview, a multimedia platform known for its coverage of afro-house and contemporary African music culture.
He maintained a relatively low public profile despite his involvement in the music and media space, supporting digital storytelling around African sound and entertainment.
The circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed as of the time of this report.
A Private Relationship Kept Away From the Spotlight
Niniola Apata has largely kept her personal life away from public scrutiny, rarely sharing details about her relationship on social media.
Her posts suggest a long-term relationship spanning over a decade, though she has not publicly shared extensive information about her marriage.
The singer first rose to national attention as a standout contestant on Project Fame West Africa in 2013 before building a successful career in the Nigerian music industry.
Rise of a Global Afro-House Voice
Over the years, Niniola has grown into one of Nigeria’s most recognisable afro-house voices, earning both local and international acclaim.
Her 2017 breakout hit Maradona brought her widespread recognition and opened doors to global collaborations and acknowledgements from major international artists, including DJ Snake, Drake, Timbaland and Beyoncé.
The track became a defining moment in her career, cementing her reputation as a leading figure in contemporary African dance music.
Outpouring of Support Expected
As news of Ndika’s passing circulates, tributes are expected to continue pouring in from across Nigeria’s entertainment and media industries, particularly from those connected to NaijaReview and the broader afro-house community.