Fast rising musician, Simi has opened up on why she
left gospel music and the price of fame. The talented singer who was rumored,
of being in an affair with award winning singer Falzthabadtguy also addressed questions
concerning her relationship. Excerpts from her interview below…..
Have always wanted
to do music?
I didn’t grow up around a lot of music because my parents
aren’t music inclined. I wrote my first song when I was 10 years old. I have a
very short attention span and it is one of the reasons why I experiment a lot
with my music. My parents separated when I was nine years old, so I did not
spend so much time with my dad; he died in 2014. My parents were quite
supportive of my career at first. After I bagged a degree in Mass
Communication, from Covenant University, my mother wanted me to get some job
experience by working with an oil firm. I have always been of the opinion that it’s
impossible to do music part-time, so I asked her to pray for the success of my
music career.
How did being
raised by a single mum feel?
I recall that my siblings and I visited my dad during
weekends and at some point, the frequency reduced. I felt bad whenever I saw my
peers with their parents and I had a mature mind as a young girl growing up. My
parents’ separation left an impression on me that life isn’t always a bed of
roses. It also made me realise the need to work harder to achieve my dreams.
How else did the
experience shape you?
It made me grow up really fast and also made me a
realist. As a result, nothing fazes me and no bad situation affects me. Even
though I am not a pessimist, I am always prepared for the worst.
Subconsciously, I am also a lot pickier and careful about whom I date. My mum
has always been there to guide me.
What challenges
did you initially grapple with in your career?
It’s very difficult for an artiste to succeed
independently before he or she is signed on with a label.This is because having
a successful music career is capital intensive. The ability to keep my head
straight at times when it seems as though I am wasting time, is no walk in the
park. There are so many talented artistes competing for the top spot, so
keeping faith alive is hard. Coming and breaking into mainstream music is also
hard. I recently realised that I have to work harder as a woman because I can’t
afford to make any excuses.
Apart from music,
what other things are you talented at?
I am also a sound engineer, so I mix and master
music.This a major boost to my career because it means that there are a lot of
things I can do on my own. It has also proven to a lot of critics that I am not
just another artiste.
You began your
career as a gospel act. Why did you go mainstream?
The first thing that comes to the mind is that I did it
for monetary reasons. However music became about ‘more’; I wanted to have a
broader purview. It was a tough decision for me to make at first. I wanted to
explore music more. My faith in God hasn’t waivered because before I went
mainstream, I prayed to God to bless my career if it was his plan for me. I
also don’t see myself doing gospel music again.
How did you come
about your unique sound?
When I put out a gospel album in 2008, it was laced with
a lot of R&B and hip-hop becauseI dabbled into a lot of sounds.It took me a
while to create an identity sound-wise. I went to the US and after
experimenting with several sounds, I fine-tuned my sound. I incorporated a lot
of African inflections and it stood me out.
Do you write all
your songs?
Yes, I do but I am open to having other people write
songs for me because I believe in teamwork. Artistes themselves do not write
some of the best songs. In fact, some of the hit songs we currently listen to
are written by as many as five different people.
What inspires your
lyrics?
Real-life scenarios that are relatable inspire me. With
regards to one of my recent songs, Love don’t care, I was trying to express how
carefree love is; its not a respecter of persons or situations.
Why did you decide
to record an entire album with Falz?
We are very good friends and having worked on several
projects together, we toyed with the idea of recording a joint album.
What has fame cost
you?
I don’t go out much but I love to go to regular places. I
can’t do so any longer and I miss having a regular life because I am a regular
girl.
Are you currently
dating anyone?
I am in a relationship with someone else who is not
Falzthebahdguy; we are just friends. My man is
mature and understands the fact that I may be erroneously romantically
linked with an artiste simply because we work on music projects together.
What else would
you have done aside from music?
I like the idea of becoming a radio presenter and if
there were any other career I will take up, it would definitely be it.
What do you hope
to achieve with music?
I want people to listen to my songs more and become
inspired.
How would you
describe your style?
Chic and sexy.
Punch
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