Encomium
Pretty sonorous singer, Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye, popularly known as Simi, came to our consciousness when JAMB Question ruled major airwaves across Nigeria. She is one of the artistes to grace Season 4 of Coke Studio Africa tagged Discover.
ENCOMIUM Weekly had a chat with her on what she has been up to and much more…
How will you describe 2016 for Simi?
2016 is definitely my biggest year. I am very excited for all the opportunities God has brought my way.
How does it feel to be one of the fastest rising stars in the music industry?
I am very excited for all the opportunities coming my way. It is indeed a good thing.
What should fans expect from you?
I am working on my album. I have a collaboration with another artiste, Falz, it would be out very soon. I also have a single I am working on. There are a lot of stuffs in store.
How does it feel to be part of Coke Studio?
It is amazing. It is a great opportunity. I know a lot of artistes would want to give anything to be part of it. I am very excited.
When actually did you discover it was music you would focus on?
I have known for a long time. I have been drawn to music for long. It wasn’t because I was around musicians, but I have always known I had a passion for music.
Who was the major influence over your choice as an artiste?
Nobody. I just had a really intense attraction to music and I decided to pursue it.
How do you draw inspiration for your songs?
From everything! I like to see myself as a story teller. I like to make my song reach out to everybody. I get inspirations from things that most people ignore or take for granted. I drag my story from them.
Which artistes would you like to have collaboration with?
Wizkid, 2Face, Fally Pupa. I hope I will have an opportunity to do a collaboration with them as soon as possible.
How challenging has music been for Simi?
Everything in life has its ups and downs. There are times you get frustrated. Not the kind of frustration that would make me say I am no more interested in music but the frustration that would make you want to do better. I can’t pin point a particular challenge because they change every day. Through it all, I am grateful.
Did you ever look forward to being part of Coke Studio?
Definitely. When I was called, I was very happy.
Was there any extra effort you made to be part of it?
No, I think people like my sound and the organizers wanted to explore as well. I was just me.
What was your state of mind before performing?
I was not by a TV to watch the first time, but eventually people started calling me that they loved my performance.
Tell us the truth about your alleged relationship with Falz?
The truth is Falz is my guy.
-SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN
