Simi (singer)

Simi
Born
Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye

(1988-04-19) 19 April 1988
Ojuelegba, Lagos, Nigeria
EducationCovenant University
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • sound engineer
  • actress
Spouse
​
(m. 2019)​
Children1
AwardsFull list
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Years active2006–present
Labels
  • Studio Brat
  • X3M (former)
Websiteiamsimi.com

Simisola Bolatito Kosoko (Listenⓘ; née Ogunleye; born April 19, 1988), better known as Simi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress.[1][2] She began her career as a gospel singer and released her debut studio album, Ogaju, in 2008. Simi gained public recognition in 2014 after releasing "Tiff", a song that was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2015.[3] She signed a record deal with X3M Music in 2014, but left the label in May 2019 following the expiration of her contract.[4] She released her second studio album, Simisola, on September 8, 2017.[5][6] Her third studio album, Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1, was released to coincide with her thirty-first birthday on April 19, 2019.[1] Simi launched her record label Studio Brat in June 2019.[7] She was a judge on season 7 of Nigerian Idol in 2022.[8]

Life and career

Early life and education

Simi was born on 19 April 1988 in Ojuelegba, a suburb of Surulere, Lagos State, as the last of four children.[9] In an interview with Juliet Ebirim of Vanguard newspaper, Simi revealed that her parents separated when she was 9 years old. She also revealed that she grew up as a tomboy.[10] Simi attended Stars International College, a secondary school in Ikorodu, Lagos State.[11] She is an alumna of Covenant University, where she studied mass communication.[12]

2006–2018: Career beginnings, Ogaju, Restless, Chemistry, and Simisola

Simi grew up dancing and singing as a member of her local church's choir. She wrote her first song at age 10.[13] Her professional music career started in 2008 following the release of her debut studio album Ogaju, which consisted of a variety of songs such as "Iya Temi" and "Ara Ile". The album was produced entirely by Samklef.[14]

In January 2014, Simi released the 5 track EP Restless, which eventually earned her a record deal with X3M Music.[15] The EP is composed mostly of covers recorded by popular acts, including Rihanna's "Man Down" and Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain".[16] On January 9, 2014, Simi released two singles "Tiff" and "E No Go Funny". Both songs received frequent airplay and were met with generally positive reviews from critics. The video for "Tiff" was directed by Josh Clarke and released on August 30, 2015.[17] The song was nominated for Best Alternative Song at the 2015 edition of The Headies. Later in 2015, Simi won the Most Promising Act to Watch category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. In an interview with Leadership newspaper, Simi revealed that she started working on her second studio album, which was slated for release in 2016.[18] Upon releasing "Jamb Question", Simi was listed as one of the artistes to watch out for in 2016 by NotJustOk.[19] The remix of "Jamb Question" features Nigerian rapper Falz.

On February 14, 2016, Simi released the Oscar Heman Ackah-produced love ballad "Love Don't Care". It received frequent radio airplay and was met with positive reviews.[20] "Love Don't Care" effectively addresses tribalism and discrimination in Nigeria.[21] The song's music video was directed by Clarence Peters. In October 2016, Simi was nominated for Best Breakthrough Act at the MTV Africa Music Awards.[22] On October 27, Simi collaborated with Falz to release the extended play Chemistry. Oghene Michael of 360 Nobs described the EP as an "experiment of the word art". In December 2016, Simi was nominated in three categories at The Headies 2016, winning one.[23] In anticipation of her 12-track second studio album Simisola, Simi released two singles; "Smile for Me" and "Joromi". Both songs were accompanied by music videos directed by Clarence Peters and Aje Films, respectively.[24] Music videos for "O Wa Nbe", "Complete Me", "Gone for Good" and "Aimasiko" were also released to further promote the album. Simi unveiled the album's track list on September 1, 2017. Simisola was released seven days later and debuted at number 5 on the Billboard World Albums chart.[25][26][27]

2019–2020: Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1, Studio Brat, and Restless II

In March 2019, Simi disclosed that she would be releasing her third studio album, Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1, to coincide with her birthday on April 19, 2019. She disclosed this information in a series of social media messages.[28] The album is a slight departure from the relatively afro-centric feel of Simisola]], and a mixture of sentimental ballad, Afropop, Afro-fusion, Afro-soul, R&B, EDM and moombahton.[29] Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 features collaborations with guest acts such as Patoranking, Maleek Berry, Falz, and her husband Adekunle Gold. The album's production was primarily handled by Oscar, with additional production from Vtek, Legendury Beatz, and Sess.[30] Simi dedicated Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 to her father Charles Oladele Ogunleye, who died in 2014.[29] The album was supported by three singles: "I Dun Care", "Lovin", and "Ayo".

In May 2019, X3M Music announced Simi's departure following the expiration of her recording contract. Both parties did not renew the contract and agreed to part ways.[31] In June 2019, Simi announced the launch of her independent record label, Studio Brat.[7] In 2020, she released the single "Duduke", which depicts her then-unborn child as a symbol of love and hope.[32] Simi's fourth studio album, To Be Honest, reflect a more personal and introspective approach to her music. Independence has significantly shaped Simi's career, enabling her to experiment with new sounds while staying true to her roots. In 2020, Simi released the Extended Play (EP) Restless II, which is a continuation of the EP Restless (2014).[33]

2021–present: To Be Honest and Lost and Found

Simi's fourth studio album, To Be Honest, was released in 2022. It houses 11 tracks and features guest acts such as Fave, Deja, and her husband Adekunle Gold. Simi embarked on the To Be Honest tour, which took her to various international venues in the U.S and UK. The tour marked a significant moment in her career, showcasing her expanding global reach and connecting with her international fanbase.[34] Her achievement on this studio project stretched to her selection as Spotify EQUAL Africa music program ambassador for July. She became the second African artiste after Tiwa Savage to be named an EQUAL global and EQUAL African artist.[35]

In an interview with African Folder, Simi disclosed that she was working on her fifth studio album, Lost and Found. Her favourite thing about the album is that she had the freedom to make music the way she enjoyed it.[36] On July 5, 2024, Simi released Lost and Found, which was supported by the singles "Men Are Crazy" and "All I Want". The album is a reflective body of work that explores themes of self-discovery, love, and societal issues.[37]

Artistry

Apart from being a singer and songwriter, Simi is also a sound engineer. She is credited with mixing and mastering Adekunle Gold's debut studio album Gold, which was released in July 2016.[38] Her music style is basically hinged in the rhythm and blues, soul and hip hop music genres.[39]

Controversy

In February 2026, a Tiktok user named Mirabel alleged that she had been raped in her residence. In response to the story, Simi called on men to hold other men accountable and spoke out against rape culture in Nigeria.[40] Mirabel later acknowledged that her accusation was untrue.[41] Critics reacted negatively to Simi's remarks, accusing her of ignoring the prevalence of false rape allegations.[42] Amid the backlash, social media users uncovered some inappropriate tweets Simi posted between 2012 and 2015 while working at her mother's day care.[43] In some of the resurfaced tweets, Simi revealed her obsession with kissing young children and fawned over a four-year-old boy's genitalia.[44] On 27 February, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) launched an investigation into the matter and urged victims to come forward.[45] Simi said she has never acted immorally and that her tweets were miscontrue and taken out of context.[46] The singer's PR team removed some of her old tweets.[47]

Personal life

Simi married singer Adekunle Gold in a private wedding ceremony on January 9, 2019.[48] It was later revealed that they had been dating for five years.[49] Simi gave birth to her daughter Adejare on 30 May 2020.[50][51]

Filmography

Simi made her acting debut in Kunle Afolayan's film Mokalik, which was released in 2019.[52]

Discography

Selected singles

List of singles as lead artist, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Ara Ile" 2008 Ogaju
"Emi L'Onijo" 2012 Non-album single
"Take a Chance"
"Chocolate Brown"
"Don't Judge Me (cover)" 2013
"Bibanke (cover)"
"Marvin's Room (cover)"
"Tiff" 2014 Simisola
"E No Go Funny" Non-album single
"Jamb Question" 2015 Simisola
"Jamb Question" (Remix) (featuring Falz) Non-album single
"Open and Close"
"Love Don't Care" 2016 Simisola
"Smile for Me" 2017
"Joromi"
"I Dun Care" 2018 Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1
"Lovin"
"Ayo" 2019
"Duduke" 2020 Non-album single
"There for You"
"Borrow Me Your Baby" (featuring Falz) [53] 2024

Academic writings about Simi

  • Adebayo, Abidemi Olufemi. "Culture Shift and Simisola Ogunleye's (Simi's) Conception of the Millennial African Woman in Love Don't Care and Joromi." Ibadan Journal of English Studies 7 (2018): 173–184.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Adekunle Gold pens romantic message to mark Simi's birthday". P.M News. April 19, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
  2. ^ Kingsley, Ediale (April 18, 2016). "I started with gospel music – Simi". National Daily. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  3. ^ Akan, Joey (September 30, 2015). "Headies 2015: Check out the complete nomination list". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  4. ^ "Nigeria's Simi leaves record label". Music in Africa. May 2, 2019. Retrieved May 3, 2019.
  5. ^ Arogundade, Funsho (April 2, 2014). "Simi, Sammy Join X3M Music". P.M. News. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  6. ^ "It's here! Simi releases her debut album, 'Simisola'". thenet.ng. September 8, 2017. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
  7. ^ a b Alake, Motolani (June 20, 2019). "Simi launches her record company, Studio Brat". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  8. ^ Offiong, Adie Vanessa (December 25, 2015). "Nigeria: Even the Silliest Things Inspire Me – Simi". Daily Trust. allAfrica. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  9. ^ Olonilua, Ademola (April 2, 2016). "I fantasize about working with Ebenezer Obey –Simi". The Punch. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  10. ^ Ebirim, Juliet (March 17, 2016). "Why I do love songs – Simi". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  11. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Simi on GbajumoTV". YouTube.
  12. ^ Medeme, Ovwe (March 27, 2016). "SIMI:I DON'T FEEL THREATENED BY ANYBODY". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  13. ^ Odigie, McDonald (August 12, 2015). "WHY I SANG MA BI MI NI JAMB QUESTION SONG- AFRO POP SINGER, SIMI". Goldmyne Entertainment. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  14. ^ Ikeokwu, Juliet (June 12, 2015). "JAMB QUESTION CROONER, SIMI SHARES HER STORY". YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  15. ^ "Simi: 5 fun facts about the gifted female vocalist". News Flash Nigeria. April 19, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  16. ^ "NETPod: Simi drops new EP 'Restless'". Nigeria Entertainment Today. January 10, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  17. ^ "VIDEO: Simi – Tiff". tooXclusive. August 30, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  18. ^ Abulude, Samuel (March 27, 2016). "My Relationship With Falz Is Professional – Simi". Leadership. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  19. ^ Boye, Don (February 22, 2016). "10 Artists To Watch in 2016". NotJustOk. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  20. ^ Alli, Mutiat (May 19, 2016). "LOVE MEETS ART IN SIMI'S 'LOVE DON'T CARE' VIDEO". The Daily Times. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  21. ^ "LOVE DON'T CARE- Simi (The Vexscheworld Review)". vexscheworld.com. February 24, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  22. ^ Solanke, Abiola (October 23, 2016). "MAMA 2016: Tekno wins Best Breakthrough Act". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  23. ^ "Headies 2016 Awards : The winners are..." The Punch. December 23, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  24. ^ "Fans Go Emotional As Simi Launches Album "Simisola" • Channels Television". channelstv.com. September 9, 2017. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
  25. ^ "World Music: Top World Albums Chart". Billboard. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  26. ^ "Simi Unveils Official Tracklist For New Album". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. September 2017. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
  27. ^ "Simi bets and wins on Simisola". musicinafrica.net. September 12, 2017. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
  28. ^ "Simi Announces Title, Date For New Album". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. March 23, 2019. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
  29. ^ a b Alake, Motolani (April 19, 2019). "Simi releases 13-track third studio album, 'Omo Charlie Champagne Vol. I'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
  30. ^ Tambini, Kam (April 19, 2019). "Listen to Simi's New Album 'Omo Charlie Champagne Vol.1'". OkayAfrica. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
  31. ^ Wahab, Bayo (May 1, 2019). "Simi leaves X3M Music as record contract expires". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  32. ^ "Simi's "Duduke" makes her unborn baby a symbol of love and hope". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. May 10, 2020. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  33. ^ "Simi excellently documents the emotional travails of a "Restless II," emotionally entwined by "friends with benefits" [EP Review]". Pulse Nigeria. October 5, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  34. ^ "Simi Live – To Be Honest Tour (USA) – I am Simi". Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  35. ^ "Simi named Spotify EQUAL Africa artiste for July". VoiceofNG. July 5, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
  36. ^ "Simi: The Queen Of Afro-Ballads". African Folder. April 13, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  37. ^ BellaNaija.com (July 5, 2024). "Simi's New Album "Lost and Found" is a Love Letter to Music & Herself | Listen". BellaNaija. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  38. ^ Showemimo, Adedayo (July 19, 2016). "Adekunle Gold has his "boo" SIMI as the only featured act on his GOLD album". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  39. ^ Yinus, Qismat (July 17, 2016). "Why I quit gospel music – Simi". The Punch. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
  40. ^ Itodo, Sunny Green (February 18, 2026). "Rapists should be castrated, burnt alive - Singer Simi". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  41. ^ Taiwo, Oluwaseun (February 20, 2026). "Simi dragged online after TikToker Mirabel admits faking rape claim". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  42. ^ "Simi dragged online after TikToker Mirabel admits faking rape claim". My Joy Online. February 22, 2026. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  43. ^ Onah, Vanessa (February 23, 2026). "Simi breaks silence on backlash over old tweets". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  44. ^ Abiodun Sanusi (February 23, 2026). "Singer Simi berates Nigerians who dug up her posts gushing over penis of 4-year-old boy at her mother's daycare". Peoples Gazette. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  45. ^ Friday Omosola (February 27, 2026). "NAPTIP investigates child abuse claims at Simi mum's daycare". Premium Times. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  46. ^ Fasan, Yewande (February 23, 2026). "Simi addresses 2012 tweets, says posts were taken out of context". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  47. ^ Omosola, Friday (February 23, 2026). "Mirabel Rape Saga: Simi breaks silence after netizens unearth old disturbing tweets". Premium Times. ISSN 2360-7688. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  48. ^ "Simi and Adekunle Gold's wedding: how it was". Legit.ng. January 10, 2019.
  49. ^ "We dated for 5 years – Adekunle Gold confirms getting married to Simi". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. January 17, 2019.
  50. ^ Emmanuel, Stanley (July 4, 2024). "Simi Release her Long Awaiting Album Lost and Found". Naijapickup. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  51. ^ "Simi Welcomes A Baby Girl With Her Husband, Adekunle Gold". Sellbeta Blog. June 8, 2020. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  52. ^ "5 things you should know about Kunle Afolayan's new movie, 'Mokalik'". Pulse Nigeria. March 28, 2019. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  53. ^ "Simi – Borrow Me Your Baby ft. Falz [Music]". JustGbedu. June 7, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
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