Simisola Bolatito Kosoko Listenⓘ (née Ogunleye; born April 19, 1988), better known by her stage name Simi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress.
[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".
[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".
In an interview with Leadership newspaper, Simi revealed that she started working on her second studio album, which was slated for release in 2016.
[29] The 13-track album features guest vocals from Patoranking, Maleek Berry, Falz, and her husband Adekunle Gold.
Her subsequent releases, including the hit single "Duduke" in the year 2020 making her unborn baby, a symbol of love and hope,[32] and the To Be Honest album, reflect a more personal and introspective approach to her music.
Independence has significantly shaped her career, enabling her to experiment with new sounds while staying true to her Afro-pop roots.
Also in 2019, Simi made her acting debut in Mokalik, a film directed by renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan.
[35] TBH (To Be Honest) is the fourth studio album by the Nigerian singer, Simi, and a follow-up to her current EP, "Restless II" which was launched in 2020.
The body of work TBH (To Be Honest) houses 11 stable tracks and has the likes of Fave, Deja, and naturally her husband, Adekunle Gold.
Simi embarked on the "To Be Honest" (TBH) tour, which took her to various international venues, including stops in the USA and the UK.
The tour was in support of her fourth studio album, and marked a significant moment in her career, showcasing her expanding global reach and connecting with her international fanbase.
[36] Her achievement on this studio project stretched to her selection as Spotify EQUAL Africa music program ambassador for July.
She joins a list of talented African women who are driving the culture and breaking through barriers in the music industry.
The album features hit singles such as "Men Are Crazy" and "All I Want," receiving praise for its rich fusion of Afro-pop and contemporary R&B.
Lost and Found is a reflective body of work, exploring themes of self-discovery, love, and societal issues, further showcasing Simi's evolution as an artist and songwriter.