Afro-house singer Niniola Apata has released a new single, “Raining (O Dun Mi)”, as a tribute to her late husband and manager, Michael Ndika, months after his passing.
The singer unveiled the song on Friday, describing it as a deeply personal expression of grief, love, memories, and healing following the death of her long-time partner, who played a significant role in her music career.
In a post on X on Thursday, Niniola said the song was inspired by her personal loss but also intended for others who have experienced bereavement.
“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,” Niniola said.
She added that the song was also for everyone mourning loved ones.
“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,” she said.
On Friday, Niniola further dedicated the song to people dealing with grief.
“For everyone who has ever lost someone, this is for you. For every tear we’ve cried, every pain we’ve carried, every memory that still lingers… ‘Raining (O Dun Mi)’ is the melody to it all. It’s raining on us,” she said.
The title “O Dun Mi” is a Yoruba expression conveying deep emotional pain, while the song channels the singer’s grief into a musical tribute to her late husband.
Niniola announced Ndika’s death in May 2026 in a series of emotional posts on her Instagram Story. Ndika was the Chief Executive Officer of NaijaReview, a multimedia platform focused on Afro-house and contemporary African music, before his death.
The couple had been together for 13 years, with Ndika also serving as Niniola’s manager and playing a key role in her career.
With “Raining (O Dun Mi),” Niniola has turned her personal experience of loss into a tribute aimed at preserving her husband’s memory while connecting with others who have experienced grief.
