- Simi like many others rose through church choir
- Simi is married to singer Adekunle Gold
- Nigeria’s high population and data rates a big advantage to Naija music industry
Nigerian award-winning singer-songwriter and actress, Simi has achieved a monumental feat as she becomes the first female artist to reach 100 million total streams on streaming giant platform Boomplay.
The top music streaming and download service recently made the milestone announcement on their social media pages.
Hot off of the success and reception from her recently released 5th solo project ‘To Be Honest’, Simi is reckoned as one of the prominent and leading voices shaping the new wave of Afropop sound flooding both local and international music charts. This is boosted by the large presence of the Boomplay brand in Nigeria as well.
With 100 million streams on Boomplay, Simi records another major career milestone, that furthers the celebration and representation of women breaking boundaries and leading trail-blazing achievements in music.
Simi is riding high on Boomplay. Image by Boomplay
BOOMPLAY GOLDEN CLUB
In addition, Simi joins a growing list of Boomplay’s Golden Club elite artists, whose other members include Nigeria’s Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Fireboy DML, Joeboy and Omah Lay, as well as Tanzania’s Diamond Platinumz and Rayvanny. Among female artists who are closely scaling the same heights on the platform are Sinach, Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage notably all Nigerian.
Nigeria being the most populous African country with a people who are proud of their own and affordable data makes it easier for Nigerian artists to make it in the music industry. It is also believed that Nigerian artists invest a lot in marketing their brand, hiring professionals and at the same time dedicating their time in the studio and coming out with top-notch productions.
Commenting on Simi’s success, Tosin Sorinola, Director of Artiste & Media Relations, Boomplay, shared that;
“Boomplay is dedicated to amplifying voices and ensuring inclusion and representation in music. As an organization, we will continue to recognize and celebrate the strides made by women globally.”
Simi performing in London. Image courtesy of Bella Naija
EARLY LIFE
Simi was born to Yoruba parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Oladele Ogunleye, on the 19th Of April 2021. She hails from a Christian family and was given the name, Simisola Bolatito. Simi revealed that her parents separated when she was 9 years old. She also revealed that she grew up as a tomboy. Despite the absence of a father, Simi‘s mother worked hard to ensure that she didn’t lack any good things, sending her to the top private schools for her education.
Growing up, Simi couldn’t hide her musical talent as she had a sonorous voice that was displayed whenever she sang popular songs. So she joined the choir quite early and focused on making gospel music.
Simi found her natural voice in her early years as part of “Outstandin”, a musical group at her local church. Taking her talents into the studio, it was not long before the young vocalist made her presence known.
Simi’s professional debut, 2008’s Oga Ju, was a D.I.Y. collection of gospel tunes. The 2014 EP “Restless” gave the young musician her first taste of the spotlight. The EP, Primarily composed of covers, including Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain,” the project landed her a record deal with highly rated Nigerian music label, X3M Music. After releasing singles “Tiff” and “E No Go Funny” in early 2014, Simi had a winning streak in 2015, she was awarded the “Most Promising Act” t category at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and picked up a nomination for Best Alternative Song at The Headies.
Simi & hubby Adekunle Gold. Image by The Guardian Nigeria
SIMISOLA ACCOLADES
In 2016, the musician consolidated her career with the Chemistry EP and songs “Love Don’t Care” and “Outta My Head” secured two nominations and a win at The Headies alongside a nomination for Best Breakthrough Act at that year’s MTV Africa Awards. Her long-awaited sophomore album, Simisola, arrived the following year. Landing at number five on the Billboard World Albums Chart, Simisola showcased the musician’s expansive sound, which incorporated soul, Afrobeat, singer/songwriter, and highlife influences into her blend of Afropop.
Since her last full-length project in 2019, the Nigerian singer has achieved a top 5 record on the Billboard World Album Chart, an MTV Africa Music Award nomination, amongst other accomplishments, including this latest streaming milestone.
Among the albums by Smi are:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
DUDUKE
NAKED WIRE
RESTLESS
SO BAD
WOMAN
SIMISOLA
For a more comprehensive Simi catalog, subscribe to the boomplay streaming services.
