By Prosper Mene
Nigerian Afro-house star Niniola Apata has released a deeply personal new single, “Raining (O Dun Mi),” as a heartfelt tribute to her late husband and longtime manager, Michael Ndika.
The track arrives after a period of mourning following Ndika’s passing in May 2026. Rather than a purely sorrowful reflection, the song transforms private grief into a space of healing, memory, and enduring love. It speaks both to Niniola’s own journey and to anyone who has experienced loss.
Ndika was more than a partner; he was a central figure in Niniola’s career for many years, working closely with her behind the scenes. In “Raining (O Dun Mi),” she channels the weight of that absence into music that feels intimate yet universal.
The Yoruba phrase “O dun mi” conveys profound emotion, which the production softens into something comforting and resonant.
In a message shared with fans, Niniola explained the song’s meaning:“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 accompanying visuals show Niniola in a striking black A-line dress against draped white fabric, marking her first music video release since her husband’s death.
Earlier images of the couple at formal events underscore the partnership that shaped much of her public and private life.
With “Raining (O Dun Mi),” Niniola turns personal loss into shared solace. The single stands as both a private act of remembrance and an open invitation for listeners to hold close the people and moments that continue to shape them.
