Niniola Opens Up About Life as a Young Widow

Nigerian singer Niniola Apata has shared her pain after losing her husband, businessman and music executive Michael Ndika. She said nothing could prepare her for being a young widow.

The Afro-house star posted an emotional message on her Instagram on Sunday. It marked two months since Ndika’s sudden death.

Niniola reflected on her grief. She wanted to make a video but couldn't because of her emotions. "Today makes it two months since my husband, business manager, and best friend, Michael, was very suddenly and unexpectedly taken from me and truly, from us," she wrote.

She revealed that losing her father at a young age did not prepare her for losing her husband. "Even though I lost my Dad at quite an early age, nothing ever prepared me for the reality of becoming a young widow. It has been hard. It has been exceedingly difficult," she said.

Niniola described the grieving process as unpredictable. Some days are manageable while others are “painfully indescribable.” She said, "Some days are good; some days are just painfully indescribable. What do I do with myself? Where do I start from? So many things left undone and unsaid. So many emotions I am unable to put into words."

Despite the pain, Niniola said her faith has helped her through this tough time. She mentioned moments when she questioned God but still held on to her beliefs.

She also thanked family, friends, fans, media organizations, and well-wishers for their support since her husband’s death. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your outpouring of love, your kind words, prayers, thoughtful messages and posts. I do not know how I will ever repay each and everyone of you, but please know that I am truly and sincerely grateful," she added.

Niniola prayed for those who stood by her, hoping they would never experience a similar tragedy.

Her latest post came after she worried fans during her first public appearance since announcing her husband’s death. In videos shared online earlier this month, many fans noticed her weight loss, which reflected the emotional toll of her loss.

PUNCH Online reported in May that Niniola announced Ndika’s death through emotional posts on her Instagram Story, writing, “God took him,” and later adding, “My husband died.” Ndika was the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview, a multimedia platform focused on Afro-house and contemporary African music. The details surrounding his death were not disclosed.