Inside Niniola’s kingdom of sexual freedom and education
Niniola‘s new song ‘Ginger Me (Alum)’ is trending on social media. What has captivated listeners is the sultry lyrics and sensual melodies that leave little to the imagination.
While these talking points aren’t new for the sensational songstress, they still manage to provoke the imagination of liberal listeners and dare the moral stand of conservatives.
On her new single, Niniola dives into the Nigerian world of sex practices, where alum is used for vagina tightening, sexual fantasies are lived with reckless abandon, and sexual subject matter remains a tight-lipped affair in the name of propriety.
It’s the sexual matter that must not be broached, especially by women, that forms the cornerstone of Niniola’s music. Nionola has broken free from society’s patriarchal moral standards that forbid sex both as an activity and subject matter that women should lead.
In a patriarchal society where sexual freedom is exclusively reserved for men, Niniola’s music boldly communicates the message that women are sexual beings with the agency to dictate how they interact with sex and enjoy it as boldly and openly as men.
A dive into her discography churns out sexually charged music whose lyrics are meant to be sung in hushed tones to avoid the judging eyes of conservative Nigerians.
In her Sarz-produced hit single ‘Maradona,’ Niniola paints vivid pictures of the act. In ‘Bana,’ she interprets love through the lens of irresistible sexual gratification, similar to her message on ‘Addicted’ where she boldly sings about her fixation on the sheet-shaking act.
When she taps into her Fuji influences in ‘Omo Rapala’, it was to borrow from the icon Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere, who is also skilled in making sexually charged music.
However, what takes Niniola’s music beyond a soundtrack of lust and sexual freedom is the message of sexual discipline and safety that accompanies it.
In ‘Maradona,’ she sings about the dangers of sexual indiscipline. In ‘Boda Sodiq,’ she sings about sexual assault and the need for consent in a society where women experience significant sexual violence.
In her latest single ‘Ginger Me (Alum)’, Niniola uses social commentary to encourage safe sexual practices to prevent infections and unwanted pregnancies.
The vibrancy and freedom she embraces in her exploration of sexual subjects are complemented by her rich vocals and genre-bending sound that holds up her status as one of Afrobeats’ boldest sonic adventurers.
Her partnership with Nigerian celebrated producer Sarz created a smooth blend of House Music and Afrobeats, which became the Afro House kingdom she gracefully rules.
Niniola’s kingdom is one where the message of sexual freedom and education is conveyed by a queen whose class and personality are free of the baggage that often accompanies stars who choose to live freely.
Over a decade into her career, Niniola’s message of sexual freedom and safety is captivating a new generation of listeners who find inspiration and empowerment in her unapologetic lyrics, sultry melodies, and courage to challenge traditional norms.
