Nigerian singer Niniola Apata has explained why she never signed with a record label.
The “All Eyes On Me” singer claimed in an interview with Hip TV that she was hesitant to accept multiple record deal offers following the release of her debut single because she was worried about losing her “creative freedom.”
Because her genre, Afrohouse, wasn’t popular at the time, the 38-year-old singer expressed concern that a label may encourage her to change her sound.
“I have been an independent artiste for 10 years now, and it has its pros and cons. After I released my debut single in 2014, several record labels were calling me, but at the time, I was skeptical because I didn’t want anyone to take away my creative freedom,” she said.
“At the time, nobody was into my genre, Afrohouse, and you know how labels can say they investing in me and I have to do what they want, and I don’t want that happening to me.
“So, I wasn’t convinced enough to sign to a label. So my former manager, who has become my business partner, decided to set up a label, and that’s what we have been running together.
“Even all through the years, some deals have been coming, but I have not been comfortable with them.”
She explained that her genre is a blend of African elements, house music, and her unique touch.
“Afrohouse is a combination of African style and house music, so that makes it Nini, bringing my own flair into house music,” she said.
“It feels good to be known as the queen of Afrohouse, and I have been able to carry on the genre because when I started, some people had concerns about the longevity and the language, because I sing in Yoruba.
“At the end of the day, I have seen that you just need to be yourself, pray, be thankful, and everything will fall into place.”