Niniola Apata, the Nigerian singer, has revealed why she never signed with a record label.
In an interview on Hip TV, the ‘All Eyes On Me’ hitmaker said she received several record deal offers after releasing her debut single, but was hesitant due to fears of losing her “creative freedom”.
The 38-year-old singer said she was worried a label might pressure her to change her sound since her genre Afrohouse wasn’t popular at the time.
“I have been an independent artiste 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.”
She explained that her genre is a blend of African elements, house music, and her unique touch.
“Afrohouse is a combination of African style and house music, so that makes it Nini, bringing my own flair into house music,” she said.
“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.
“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.”
Niniola participated in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. In March 2014, she released her debut single ‘Ibadi’. She has continued to enjoy fame in the music industry with several projects.
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