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SIMI
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If you can remember dancing to the catchy tune or singing the song "ara-ile" then you were current. Simi the voice behind the huge hit is a really "far behind the spotlight" young lady. A graduate of Covenant University; she is a gospel artist that is not ready to sit back and relax. Her album; "because of you" dropped a while back. JK met up with her some weeks back and this is what she had to say......Enjoy!
JK. Who is simi?
Simi: She's a jovial, witty, playful, pretty sarcastic (tongue out), happy lady. The only girl of four kids, a singer/songwriter and just generally "a go with d flow" kinda girl.
JK. Educational background.
Simi: I'm a Mass communication graduate of Covenant University. There are too many secondary schools to mention (smiles)
JK. What was growing up like?
Simi: Fun. I was a tomboy most of the time. Rode bikes, played some clumsy football with my brothers. Daddy spoilt me a little (just a little) and I'm very close to mum. Very typical....nothing unusual.
JK. When did you first notice your interest in singing?
Simi: I would say I was about 7 or 8 years old. I think I had some talent then cause the children's church teacher used to give me the lead if we had a presentation in church....but I loooooved singing since I was 8. I wrote my first song when I was ten. By then I knew I was going to be a singer.
JK. Did your parents support your career from the onset?
Simi: my mum did. I sang my first song to her and she flattered me so much. She went "it's not true. U didn't write that yourself. It's so good" I smiled all the way to my toes. She's always been supportive. But like every parent, she's not too confident of the Nigerian music industry so she tends to worry. My dad is clueless about the whole music thing but he drops in a nice word every now and then. (Laughs)
JK.What made you stick to gospel?
Simi: the time I knew I was going to be a singer was the same time I knew I was going to do gospel. It's one of those things you just know. And because God, smart Guy that He is, let me know and understand that it was to be my path so early on in life, it just stayed in my head. I just know it's where I should be and so it's where I am. (For further explanation, uhm....I can't explain it any better(smiles)
JK. Do you ever think you can do any other genre?
Simi: yes I CAN, but I don't plan to. By God's grace, I'm going to stay right where I am.
JK. The song "ara-ile" shot you to the limelight. What was the inspiration behind the song?
Simi: funny thing really. In my early writing days, I used to write ONLY slow songs and strictly in English too. Then Samklef (the producer) and I decided I needed something different if I wanted people to listen. To attract people. So bit by bit we got it. I still wanted to keep it different and that's why the verses of the song have a poppish feel to it.
JK. Did you ever expect the song to be as big as it is now?
Simi: I don't know if people believe it when I say this but all I've ever reeeeaaally wanted to be is a singer. So I just always had this confidence that whatever I put out will be loved. I love what I do and put everything into it as much as I can so I always, always expect the best response. I take criticism pretty well and I expected some as well but for the most part I just put it out there and expected the best. I thank God it turned out well.
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SIMI
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JK. i heard about your new album,tell us a little about it.
Simi: oh good good (the fun part. (Laughs). I've been working on this album for soooooo long. I would say this album is somewhat different from the first. Not my style as much as my tone. Some that have heard it say it sounds like a grown up version of the first album. In the new album titled 'BECAUSE OF YOU' , I did my best to dabble into other styles. There's a little soft rock, techno, R n' B. I tried to do something for everyone and I hope I succeeded. On this album, there are 14 tracks. "Why so many?" You ask. The first album "Ogaju" was never officially in the market so the label I'm with, First Concepts International, decided to keep four of the songs. So there are actually ten songs. My favourite of them is....you know what, get a copy and tell me yours (big smile) it's currently with the marketers so request for it if your vendor doesn't have it yet.'BECAUSE OF YOU'.
JK. Does simi have a boyfriend?
Simi: Yelz boss...(Laughs).
JK: tell us more about him.
Simi: He's everything every girl, lady or woman could possibly need in a guy.....honey the site couldn't possibly hold a list that long (tongue out).
JK.What is majorly your inspiration?
Simi: God......through life, experiences, observation. Mostly my experiences though. (Mostly)
JK. What is your biggest challenge in your career?
Simi: Criticism for being a gospel artist. Many people don't get it. I used to think I could explain it to them......but thing is if you don't get it you just don't. Sometimes even I don't get it cause when someone says "explain why with such talent you want to remain gospel and only gospel" I get stuck. It's a feeling more than its a reasoning. Challenge in it is I get blasted a lot and I admit it saddens me sometimes. So I constantly go to God for strength and to remind me why I do what I do.
JK.What is your advice to other upcoming artists?
Simi: when you love something go for it. Go for it with all your strength and don't let anyone tell you who to be or who not to be. Your destiny is in your hands.
INTERVIEW BY: ENITAN KEHINDE
