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Few joys can match that of motherhood, and such was Simi’s joy that in 2020, in the final lap of a pregnancy that had been shielded from public view for the most part, she paid homage to her unborn child with Duduke, a stirring profession of maternal affection, and one of the year’s defining songs. […]
Few joys can match that of motherhood, and such was Simi’s joy that in 2020, in the final lap of a pregnancy that had been shielded from public view for the most part, she paid homage to her unborn child with Duduke, a stirring profession of maternal affection, and one of the year’s defining songs. As Simi would find, motherhood can, sometimes, demand a downsizing of the self, and Simi the Individual had to cede room to Simi the Mother, or as she said in a new interview: “I’ve had a phase after I had my daughter, where I felt like I wasn’t seeing myself as much.” In reclaiming that lost sense of selfhood, Simi threw herself into work, the result of which is her sixth album, with a title that is explicit about the album’s overarching impulse: Lost and Found. A fourteen-track showcase, the album reminds us of a versatility that Simi often has proven to be capable of since her introduction to the Pop space more than a decade ago. Joining that versatility at the hip with an expansive collaborative instinct, Simi works with Asa, LADIPOE, Bella Shmurda, Lojay, Falz, Tiwa Savage, and the Juju legend Chief Ebenezer Obey. As is common in her work, Simi draws from her own experiences in giving the album its life force.
Thirteen years ago, Simi came up on our radar with Ara Ile, a track that had her negotiate a soulful, piano-driven production with a child-like vocal delivery. Even then, as a student at Covenant University, her authenticity shone through in the child-like innocence of her vocals and lyrics. When later asked about why she began by making Gospel music, her response was that it came naturally to her.
In 2014, she got signed to X3M Music. Her first release under the label, TIFF, signaled her transition to mainstream music and introduced her unique sound to a broader audience. The song’s critical acclaim, including a Headies nomination for Best Alternative Song in 2015, catapulted Simi into the spotlight. Already, she had the attitude and talent, and now, she got the attention. Alongside Falz, the two artists dominated love songs in 2016—which Nigerians so wanted to be real—with hits like Soldier, Chemistry, and Enough, their lyrical poetry and distinct wordplay garnering a devoted fanbase. In 2017, Simi released her debut album, Simisola. Speaking about it in a 2024 podcast, she revealed that the album represented years of artistic development, carefully crafted to highlight her truest musical form. Simisola not only solidified her existing fanbase but also earned Simi a permanent place in the music industry.
While Simi often emphasizes creating music for herself rather than industry expectations, her dedication and hard work are undeniable. In 2019, she took a bold step by founding Studio Brat, her own record label. It was a move that allowed her to take greater creative risks without seeking permission, further solidifying her artistic independence. Simi taught herself mixing and mastering through YouTube tutorials. As with many of her musical endeavors, she was a natural at music production. 2020 saw the release of Duduke, a heartfelt ode to pregnancy and motherhood that filled the hearts of many. This track was a personal timestamp, chronicling Simi’s journey into motherhood and connecting with listeners experiencing similar life changes.
Simi’s 2022 album TBH marked a new chapter in her artistic evolution, trying out new feats. The opening track, Story Story, offers a glimpse into her musical journey: “I go to bed at four, wake up at 6 / I’m begging my producer friends for beat.” Here, we see a more brooding Simi. She revealed a vulnerability not often sung about in her previous albums. Another notable example of Simi’s emotional depth can be found in Charlie from her 2019 album Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1, a touching ballad, dedicated to her late father.
Lost and Found is unlike Simi’s previous albums, it features an impressive lineup of seven guest artists. Prior to the full album release, three singles had already captured public attention: Men Are Crazy featuring Tiwa Savage, All I Want, and Borrow Me Your Baby featuring Falz. The collaboration with Falz on Borrow Me Your Baby is particularly noteworthy because it reignites the chemistry that first captivated Nigerians in 2016. Woman To Woman stands out as a powerful anthem, celebrating the qualities Simi embodies and admires—beauty, resilience, and tenacity. The track feels almost like a love letter Simi has written to herself and, by extension, to all women who share these attributes.
So, who exactly is Simi? She’s an artist whose identity cannot be confined to a single role. She’s a talented singer-songwriter, a passionate lover of music, a devoted wife, and—perhaps most significant to her—a loving mother. Her new album reflects all these aspects of her identity, offering listeners a more complete picture of the woman behind the music. Simi’s entire discography can be viewed as a time-capsule collection of genuine moments from her life, expertly mixed and produced for the world to experience. The depth of her artistry makes it challenging to fully capture the essence of all her songs in a brief overview. Each track is a masterful blend of authenticity, musical expertise, and a body of unique work that no other person can create. Except, perhaps, her 4-year-old daughter, Deja.