LAGOS, Nigeria — Chart-topping Nigerian singer, Simisola Kosoko, known by her fans as Simi, opened up about her humble beginnings in the gospel music industry, where she once performed for as little as N5,000 to N10,000.
Simi, renowned for her hit single ‘Duduke,’ spoke candidly about her early career while appearing on MTV Base Africa’s programme, Official Naija Top 10 on Friday, July 21, 2023.
The award-winning artist shared that the highest pay she ever received during her gospel music days was N70,000.
“I actually used to go to a lot of churches to perform. They would pay me like N5k, N10k. Do you know the highest amount of money I collected when I was doing gospel [music]? N70,000. And I felt like I had arrived. I still paid a 10 per cent levy from the money,” she revealed.
Facing financial constraints, Simi recounted that she had to pause her singing career as she couldn’t afford studio sessions and promotions.
Her financial woes led her to sign with a record label, a decision she regrets today.
“The lack of finances led me to sign for a record label that I regretted signing for till today,” the singer confessed.
However, these struggles were a turning point for Simi. With the gospel industry presenting numerous challenges, she decided to switch to secular music.
Simi’s candid revelations offer a window into the early career hurdles of one of Nigeria’s biggest music stars.
Despite the tough times, Simi has forged a successful career in the Nigerian music industry and continues to inspire many with her talent and resilience.
Singers Adekunle Gold And Simi Welcome Their First Child
Simi and Adekunle Gold, Nigerian music couple, have welcomed their first child, a daughter.
Simi, 31, shared the news on Instagram on Sunday, June 7, 2020, and revealed that they had named her Adejare.
“Adejare. It’s like free-falling – this unending, soul snatching, infinite, mind-boggling love. Deja, my baby girl…,” she wrote.
Simi was delivered by their daughter on Friday but shared the news on Sunday.
The couple tied the knots at a private ceremony in Lagos, in December 2019.
Simi’s pregnancy was confirmed when she debuted her baby bump in the video for her song, ‘Duduke’.
The track was released on her birthday, April 19.
