Singer Niniola became emotional on Thursday as she paid tribute to her late husband Michael Ndika during his service of songs.
The event, attended by family members, friends and loved ones, was held in honour of Ndika, whose death was announced by the singer in May.
Fighting back tears, Niniola described her husband as her backbone, biggest supporter and life partner. She spoke about a relationship built on friendship, support and love.
“Michael did everything for me. He was breathing for me. He loved me so much. I learnt so much from him. When he met me, he said I will make you a superstar. Michael was my engine. He was the first person I saw in the morning and the last person at night,” she said.
One of the most emotional moments of her tribute came when she recalled a promise Michael made to her years ago.
According to the singer, he confidently told her when they first met that he would make her a superstar. Looking back on her career, Niniola said she believes he fulfilled that promise.
“When he met me, he said, ‘I will make you a superstar,’” she recounted.
Niniola had earlier expressed her grief in a series of social media posts following Ndika’s death, describing him as her best friend, confidant, provider and business partner. She said she still finds it difficult to accept that he is gone and often expects him to walk through the door.
The singer revealed that she and Ndika had been together for 13 years, a relationship they largely kept away from public attention. News of his death came as a surprise to many fans who were unaware that the couple were married.
Ndika was a music executive and chief executive officer of NaijaReview, a multimedia platform focused on African music. His death was announced by Niniola on May 20, although the cause of death has not been made public.
According to the funeral programme released by the singer, the service of songs will be followed by a funeral Mass scheduled for Friday.
