When grief meets the recording studio, the result can become a lasting act of remembrance. Nigerian Afro-house singer Niniola Apata has stepped back into the spotlight with “Raining (O Dun Mi)”, a new single dedicated to her late husband and manager, Michael Ndika, who died in May 2026.
Ndika was not only Niniola’s life partner but also a key figure behind the scenes of her career for many years. After taking a break following his death, the singer chose to process her journey through music, creating space for listeners to hold their own memories close.
In Yoruba, “O dun mi” conveys deep feeling. The song channels that emotional weight into something warm and memorable, rather than centering only on sorrow.
Speaking about the release, Niniola shared a message with her audience:
“Some feelings are too deep for words. So I put them in a song. Some songs are made to entertain. Others are born from moments that change us forever. ‘Raining (O Dun Mi)’ is my deeply personal tribute to a man who was not only my life partner, but an important part of my journey and career.
But this song is also for everyone who has lost someone they love, for the memories that remain, the empty spaces they leave behind, and the love that never truly goes away. Through music, I honour his memory.”
The song also arrives with an official music video, her first visual release since Ndika’s passing. In the clip, Niniola appears in an A-line black dress surrounded by draped white fabric, mirroring the single’s reflective and tender mood.
With “Raining (O Dun Mi)”, Niniola opens a shared space for remembrance, honouring a love and partnership that shaped both her personal life and her musical path.
