Afro-house singer Niniola Apata is set to release a new single, “O Du Mi,” months after the death of her husband, Michael Ndika.

The song, scheduled for release on August 14, will be her first major musical project since Mr Ndika’s passing in May 2026.

Mr Ndika, who was the CEO of NaijaReview and her manager, was married to the singer for 13 years.

Niniola shared emotional posts on social media describing her grief, including messages such as “God took him” and “My husband died,”  later referring to him as her “best friend, confidant, pillar, business partner and husband.”

The singer said the new single reflects a deeply personal phase in her life, capturing themes of love, loss and emotional healing.

“Some feelings are too deep for words. So I put them in a song,” she wrote while sharing a preview of the track.

Despite the loss, she has gradually returned to public engagements, including live performances and appearances, and was recently spotted at her younger sister Teniola Apata’s album launch.

Ahead of one of her performances, Niniola said returning to music remained emotionally challenging.

She said, “There are no words for a moment like this, but I know he’d want me to keep singing, to keep showing up, and to keep sharing the gift we’ve always believed in.”

Her return with “O Du Mi” is expected to mark a new phase in her career as she continues to build on her Afro-house sound.

Niniola, known for songs such as “Maradona” and “Designer,” remains one of Nigeria’s leading Afro-house artistes, blending traditional African sounds with contemporary music.

(NAN)