Fast rising singer and songwriter, Simisola
Bolatito Ogunleye, popularly known as Simi,
wrote her very first tune at the age of 10.
She started singing and dancing in her early
teens as a member of the teenage church choir.
The songstress whose songs include ‘Jamb
Question’ and ‘Open and Close’, recently dropped
yet another hit single titled ‘ Love don’t care’ In
this interview, the award winning graduate of
Mass communication signed to X3M music talks
about her musical journey, plans for the year and
life generally. Excerpts: How have you fared since you delved into the
Nigerian music scene?
It has been fabulous so far. Although the journey
has not been easy but with persistence for the
career I have a passion for, it has improved. This
year 2016, February precisely, I released a single,
‘Love don’t care’ which has made the top ten in
the Nigerian music chart for a couple of weeks
now and is currently enjoying massive airplay on
radio. I have also shot the video for the single
‘Soldier’ with Falz which is expected to be out
soon. So, I can say my career is very promising.
Do you write your songs, and how are you able to
put the lyrics together?
Of course, I write my lyrics myself and for other
people. I am not just a singer, but also a
songwriter and I mix and master most of my
songs myself. My songs have to do with how I
feel. How deep I go is dependent on what I am
trying to say. If I sing a song on heartbreak, and
if it is personal, I might probably go too deep.
But my songs are inspired by people’s
experiences in life and what I see around me.
Most of my songs may not necessarily be
attached to my personal experience. I just write
songs to inspire others.
Simi
Describe yourself?
I am a very straight forward person, I like to say
things the way I see them, I don’t like beating
about the bush. I am not pretentious, but a
simple and realistic person.
So what keeps you going?
I have an amazing management team. They
make sure at all times, I’m on the right path.
Does your management team in anyway influence
the choice of song you write?
Not at all, I don’t know how it is done in other
labels but here, I am at liberty to write my songs
at any time and inscribe my own title to it.
Will you say you are currently enjoying your
celebrity status?
Well this is the real me. I can still stop by and
buy roasted plantain by the road side. I don’t feel
uncomfortable, I am not blown away by fame
because that is not what excites me in the
game. What excites me is the music. I am happy
about my celebrity status only because more
people know my music and want to relate with it.
Describe your genre of music?
My kind of music is Afro Pop/RNB but mostly
Afro-soul
When should your fans be expecting your album?
Definitely this year, as all hands are currently on
deck towards the successful outcome of the
album. I won’t be disclosing the number of
tracks and title for now, as we are still working
on that but my fans should be rest assured that
the album will drop this year, all things being
equal.
What keeps you going?
My passion – because the only reason why I am
doing music is because my attention span can be
very short, but one thing that keeps me more
focused is music. Music is that one thing I really
want to learn about and the passion I have for
the art of music pushes me on and keeps me
going.
As a graduate of Mass Communication, do you see
yourself going into the media and writing?
I actually have a blog, although I have not been
very loyal to it. I love writing, if I wasn’t into
music full-time, I would probably be either a
writer or an O.A.P. Writing is a part of me.
What was growing up like?
I was a kind of a tomboy while growing up
(laughs) because I had three elder brothers and
from my mum. I was the only girl and last born.
So I used to like sneakers, baggy jeans etc. My
dad spoilt my brothers and I, but it was fun.
When I was nine years, my parents separated
and so that was really a tough time for us,
because we had to grow up faster. We came
through it and we are okay.
Your songs revolve around love, why?
It is because love sells. When you talk about
love, it encompasses so many things. Not
women or sex alone, but issues that are love
related that could keep you happy. I can’t see
myself doing a song that is too political or not
love related. It’s always good to carve a niche
and spread it to other related issues without
deviating.
Having started musically from a church
background, should we hope to see you go into
gospel music someday?
No, I can do a Christian song as the inspiration
leads me but would not see myself as a gospel
artiste.
Do you feel threatened by the number of talented
female artistes in the industry and how do you
intend to balance up?
I don’t feel threatened by anybody, not because I
don’t think they are good, it’s just that there is
enough room for everybody to shine. I am not
trying to compete, so whenever I see someone
trying to do amazing things, I wish them the
best. And I’m even happy that we have more
females that are standing out in the industry.
Let’s talk about your style, are you a designer
freak?
Not really but if you give me a designer outfit, be
sure I will rock them well but I am not into
designers. I love our local fabrics and designs.
What is your most annoying daily routine?
That will be taking my bath. It’s not that I don’t
like bathing but I love to multi-task. At times I
might be brushing my teeth while also operating
my system or reading. But when you get into the
bathroom, you just can’t do any other thing.
What will you not be caught dead wearing?
I think that will be the full Iro and Buba. Maybe
when I am getting married, I will probably wear
one but for now, I won’t. I could remember the
last time my mum made one for me, I really
looked ridiculous in it.
Is Simi in a relationship?
Yes
Does he support your musical career?
Of course, he is my number one fan. He gives
me adequate support at all times.
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