Artists often experiment with different sounds and
elements to maintain relevance but Simi is true to her art, not
conforming to fit a narrative or consumers’ preference.
My guys and I sat on white chairs we formed into a circle. It was
2019. Simi’s Simisola album was playing from F’s
speaker and G was passing around the doughnuts she made for us. It was like a
final full circle moment, my secondary school friends and I together, listening
to music, laughing, reminiscing on our days in secondary school and which
teacher we loved and hated. We were recounting moments that happened over 30
months ago as though they happened yesterday. N was narrating his story when F
jumped up from his seat the moment Simi’s tiny voice snuck out of the speaker.
“So Joro baby take my number
(take my number). You know, you can call me later (call me later). Me I want to
be your lover (be your lover). Oh baby call me later (call me later),” F sang
along. F’s melodramatic reactions aided our reactions to the infectious lyrics,
and we sang along with the chorus, even N joined.
As we waited for the next song
after Joromi, F announced, “Simi is so good.” That simple
sentence ushered me into the world of Simi. When I got home, I spent a lot
of hours on YouTube listening to her songs. I had heard her song, Tiff, many times before but I never put a face to
it; it was just another popular song my neighbour from the third house wouldn’t
stop playing. But as an ardent listener, I have witnessed Simi grow and experiment with different sounds but one
thing has always remained the same: how her voice aids the quality of
storytelling in her music.
Many artists experiment with
different sounds and elements to maintain relevance but I believe what has helped Simi maintain relevance is how true she is to her art, not conforming to fit a narrative or satisfy the consumers’ preference. In The
Artist, off Omo Charlie Champagne Vol. 1,
Simi monologues, “The artist is always under pressure from so many sides. It
can never really get away from it. Regardless of where you turn, there is a
demand being made from you – pressure from the executives, from the consumers
and there’s pressure from within as well. But my fear is this: when you start
to cater only to the pressure from outside, your art is no longer as true as it
should be. And in the long run, what’s the point of an artist when
never says how she or he feels, but always says everybody expects him or her to
be feeling.” It
is one of the truest things I have ever heard as a writer.
In 2014, when Simi gained
widespread recognition with Tiff, we were introduced
to her lyrical prowess and her ability to blend Afropop with soul and R&B
seamlessly. The success of “Simisola” wasn’t just in the numbers; it was in how
it resonated with listeners. It expresses her ability to tell relatable stories
through her music and, combined with her unique voice, made her songs
anthems for many.
Simi may not be
one of the most-awarded music artists in Nigeria, but her contributions to
Afrobeats are unforgettable. Her dedication to authenticity and her openness to
experiment with different sounds have earned her a place among the best in the
industry. Several songs have gained popularity through her features.
She is now back with a very
confident album, Lost and Found – the
first cohesive body of work I’ve listened to this year. It’s a body of work
that majorly explores love and romance but one identity shines through the
album: confidence. On each track, Simi tells stories of a lover or girl who is
confident to choose whatever she wants with love. Each song tells the story of
where the persona is confident enough to decide to release herself to drown in
love, or confident enough to leave a relationship. On X, she described herself as an album artist and
“Lost and Found” confirms that because every song sounds like a continuation of
the previous.
Every song and album confirms
Simi’s talent. She has consistently shown that she is a force to be reckoned
with. Her music continues to evolve, and with each new release, she reaffirms
her place as one of Nigeria’s most beloved artists. She has showcased her
versatility and dedication to her craft and her contributions to Afrobeats have
not only helped to elevate the genre but also to push its boundaries. Her voice
is distinct and influential; blending traditional African sounds with
contemporary elements to create a unique and refreshing style. Her ability to
infuse her music with soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a touch of
R&B has set her apart from her peers, making her a crucial figure in the
Afrobeats’ evolution. I love her music so much. She is gold(en).
