By Ayo Alonge
Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye, simply known as Simi, discloses to The Entertainer the truth about her relationship with Falz, after both artistes were reported to have shared a kiss on stage after performing their most recent joint track Chemistry at the Industry Nite, recently.
The Nigerian singer and songwriter who debuted in 2006 with a single titled Ogaju also talks about her upbringing, career, future plans and more in this interview.
When you were setting out in the music industry, what impact did you hope to make?
I have been singing since I was a child. That was gospel music but in the mainstream, I am pretty young in the industry. I believe if you are working at something, you live like the best can come out of it and I believe so myself that good things will always come to me. Here I am.
How successful would you say you are since you became a big name in the industry?
I wouldn’t say I’m a big success yet, because I still have so much to achieve. There is so much to learn. I have achieved part of it by the grace of God but there are still so many battles I want to win and conquer. If you ask me about my role model, I would say people like Ladelle in terms of what they have achieved and that I want to do as well.
Recently, you debunked the rumour that you were dating Falz but that sounds difficult to believe seeing how close you guys have been lately. What do you have to say about your relationship with Falz?
Falz is my friend. Falz is also my music partner for now and I feel that is what people really need to know for now.
Who is your kind of man?
I like a man I can vouch for. I like a man that has a great sense of humour and kind.
Can you date a poor man?
Of course, I have dated men that are not rich (laughs).
What do you hope to have achieved in your career, in no distant time?
I want more recognition. More people across the world to get to hear my music. The name Simi should have been in more houses and more heads.
How much of encouragement did you get from your parents, while coming up?
My mum did a lot specially for me. I remember when I just started recording; she used to give me money to go to the studio and always supported me. She is not like the typical Nigeria mum who would tell you to finish school, get a job and marry. She always wanted me to pursue things I wanted. She never dictated to me.
Who would you attribute your success to?
It’s first about God.
Can you go nude for any price?
Completely naked? No, I can’t.
Really? What if the price is right?
I can’t. Money is not everything. I have always felt that way. I can’t. I am even the wrong person to ask. You buy everything and the money is gone. I am not really saying it is wrong. If you want to go nude, you go nude because you don’t care, not because of money. That means you are cheap.
Like some of your colleagues in the industry, what else do you hope to delve into aside music?
I have other things I want do but still all about music too. I am a mix engineer and also a songwriter. There are things I could actually still dabble into .I studied Mass communication and I have so many things to explore if I want to.
How did you transit from being a media person to being a singer?
Mass Communication is like a lifestyle. There are things I learnt in school that I still adapt to music. So, I won’t say I transited.
What is the craziest thing a male fan has ever done to you?
I can’t remember. Yes, one time I was driving and a guy was on a bike coming behind me. He waved at me and tried to stop me. He begged me to stop and I did. He just said he would like to take pictures with me. He came inside my car and we took pictures. I think that was cute.
Any regret in life?
No, I am not the regretting type. When I make mistakes, I only see how better I could have done it the next time. I try not to dwell on things I have done in the past that I can’t change. I don’t think everything I have done has made me what I am today.
What’s your perception of Nigerian music industry?
We have come a long way. We have legends like King Sunny Ade that we look up to. We also have people that are blazing the trail right now. We even have people abroad who come in to learn from us.
We have come a long way but there is still so much to learn, to improve on, especially as per sales and copyright. Overall, we have come a long way.
