Simi (singer)

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 listing on September 1, 2017. Simisola was released seven days later and debuted at number 5 on the Billboard World Albums chart.[25][26][27]

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 (2017).[29] It is a mixture of sentimental ballad, Afropop, Afro-fusion, Afro-soul, R&B, EDM and moombahton.[29] The 13-track album features guest vocals from Patoranking, Maleek Berry, Falz, and her husband Adekunle Gold. Its production was primarily handled by Oscar, with additional production from Vtek, Legendury Beatz, and Sess.[30] Simi dedicated the album to her father Charles Oladele Ogunleye, who died in 2014.[29] Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 was preceded 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.[8]

• Mokalik (2019)

• Ogaju (2008)
• Simisola (2017)
• Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 (2019)

• Chemistry (with Falz) (2016)