Simi stands as one of Nigeria’s most cherished female musicians, captivating hearts with her distinctive voice and authentic storytelling. Born Simisola Bolatito Kosoko (formerly Ogunleye), this talented artist has carved out a unique space in the competitive Nigerian music scene, blending Afro-pop, R&B, and soul into something truly magical.
From her humble beginnings as a gospel singer to becoming a chart-topping sensation with hits like “Joromi” and “Duduke,” Simi’s journey represents the perfect blend of raw talent, hard work, and genuine artistry. What makes her story even more compelling is her evolution from industry newcomer to independent label owner, proving that with determination and the right vision, anything’s possible.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Simisola Bolatito Kosoko (née Ogunleye) |
| Stage Name | Simi |
| Date of Birth | 19th April 1988 |
| Age | 37 years old |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Lagos State |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Sound Engineer, Actress |
| Record Label | Studio Brat (Independent) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million |
| Marital Status | Married to Adekunle Gold |
| Children | 1 daughter (Adejare) |
Biography
Simi entered the world on 19th April 1988 in Ojuelegba, a bustling suburb of Surulere, Lagos State. As the youngest of four children and the only girl in the family, she grew up surrounded by brothers – an experience that shaped her into what she playfully describes as a “tomboy.”
Life took a challenging turn when Simi was just nine years old. Her parents separated, leaving her mother, Mrs. Jedidiah Ogunleye, to raise four children as a single parent. This early experience of resilience would later influence her music, particularly the emotional depth that fans connect with so deeply.
Tragedy struck the family in 2014 when Simi’s father, Charles Oladele Ogunleye, passed away. She would later dedicate her third studio album, “Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1,” to his memory, with the opening track “Charlie” serving as a heartfelt tribute.
Simi’s educational journey took her to Stars International College, a secondary school in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Her academic pursuits continued at the prestigious Covenant University, where she studied mass communication – knowledge that would prove invaluable in navigating the music industry later in her career.
Music wasn’t just a hobby for young Simi; it was a calling that manifested early. At the tender age of 10, she penned her first song and began singing in her local church choir. These early experiences in church music laid the foundation for her incredible vocal range and the spiritual depth that often permeates her lyrics.
From Gospel to Afro-Pop Stardom
Simi’s professional music career officially began in 2008 with the release of her debut studio album, “Ogaju.” This gospel project, entirely produced by Samklef, featured tracks like “Iya Temi” and “Ara Ile.”
For several years, Simi honed her craft within the gospel music space, building a foundation of musical knowledge and performance experience that would prove invaluable as her career evolved.
January 2014 marked a pivotal moment in Simi’s career with the release of her 5-track EP “Restless.” This project demonstrated her versatility through covers of popular songs, including Rihanna’s “Man Down” and Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain.” The EP’s success caught the attention of X3M Music, leading to her first major record deal.
Later in 2014, Simi released “Tiff” alongside “E No Go Funny,” both of which received extensive radio airplay and critical acclaim. “Tiff” became her breakout hit, earning a nomination for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2015 and establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music scene.
Collaborations and Chart Success
The following years saw Simi collaborating with established artists and building her reputation. Her remix of “Jamb Question” featuring rapper Falz showcased her ability to blend different musical styles seamlessly. The romantic ballad “Love Don’t Care,” produced by Oscar Heman Ackah, further demonstrated her range while addressing important social issues like tribalism and discrimination.
Perhaps one of her most notable collaborations during this period was the “Chemistry” EP with Falz in October 2016. This project, described by critics as “an experiment of the word art,” highlighted the musical chemistry between the two artists and became a fan favourite.
September 2017 witnessed the release of “Simisola,” Simi’s second studio album that truly established her as a household name. The 12-track project featured hits like “Smile for Me” and the massive “Joromi,” which became an instant classic with its infectious Afrobeat rhythm and memorable lyrics.
“Simisola” achieved remarkable commercial success, debuting at number 5 on the Billboard World Albums chart and maintaining the top position on both Apple Music and iTunes charts for three consecutive weeks. The album’s success wasn’t just commercial; it earned critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
Studio Brat
May 2019 marked another significant milestone when Simi parted ways with X3M Music following the expiration of her recording contract. Rather than signing with another label, she made the bold decision to launch her independent record label, Studio Brat, in June 2019.
This move towards independence allowed Simi greater creative freedom and control over her artistic direction. Her subsequent releases, including the emotionally charged “Duduke” in 2020, reflected a more personal and introspective approach to her music.
Simi’s independence has yielded impressive results. Her 2022 album “To Be Honest” (TBH) further showcased her artistic growth, featuring collaborations with artists like Fave, Deja, and her husband Adekunle Gold. The album’s success led to international touring, including stops in the USA and UK, demonstrating her expanding global reach.
In 2024, Simi released her fifth studio album, “Lost and Found,” featuring hit singles such as “Men Are Crazy” and “All I Want.” The album has been praised for its rich fusion of Afro-pop and contemporary R&B, exploring themes of self-discovery, love, and societal issues.
Personal Life
Simi’s personal life has been the subject of much public interest, particularly her romantic relationship with fellow musician Adekunle Gold. Interestingly, Simi had initially decided never to date someone in the music industry, not even knowing that Adekunle was pursuing a singing career when they first met.
Their love story unfolded over five years of dating before they tied the knot in a private wedding ceremony on 9th January 2019. The wedding came as a surprise to many fans who had speculated about potential relationships with other artists like Falz and Johnny Drille, based on her musical collaborations.
Becoming a mother has been one of the most transformative experiences in Simi’s life. On 30th May 2020, she welcomed her first child, a daughter named Adejare, with Adekunle Gold. The pregnancy was beautifully announced through her hit single “Duduke,” which became an anthem for mothers worldwide.
In interviews, Simi has spoken candidly about how motherhood changed her perspective: “I remember saying that I felt like the woman that I was the day I gave birth was very different from the woman I was the day before. Until you see this human being that you’re now suddenly completely responsible for… you don’t really understand the gravity of that situation.”
Working in the same industry as her spouse presents unique challenges and opportunities. Simi and Adekunle Gold have found ways to support each other’s careers while maintaining healthy boundaries. As Simi explains, “We’re both very respectful of each other’s craft, and we also respect each other’s opinions… work is work, and I think we’ve been able to do very good with that.”
Acting and Other Ventures
2019 saw Simi expand her artistic horizons with her acting debut in “Mokalik,” a film directed by renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan. Playing the role of Simi, a young woman working at a mechanic workshop, she showcased her versatility beyond music and marked her official entrance into Nollywood.
What many fans don’t know is that Simi is also a skilled sound engineer. She’s credited with mixing and mastering Adekunle Gold’s debut studio album “Gold,” released in July 2016. This technical expertise gives her unique insight into the music production process and contributes to the polished quality of her releases.
Awards and Recognition
Simi’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by the industry. Throughout her career, she’s been nominated for over 30 notable awards, winning 13 of them. Some of her most significant achievements include:
Major Awards Won:
- The Headies 2018: Best Recording of the Year (“Joromi”), Best R&B Single (“Smile For Me”), Album of the Year (“Simisola”)
- Future Awards Africa: Prize for Music
- AFRIMA Awards: Songwriter of the Year
- 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Most Promising Act to Watch
- 2016 City People Entertainment Awards: Female Artiste of the Year
Recent Recognition:
- Spotify EQUAL Africa Program: Selected as ambassador for July, becoming the second African artist after Tiwa Savage to be named an EQUAL global and EQUAL African artiste
- Net Honours 2021: Most Popular Musician, Most Searched Musician (female)
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2024, Simi’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $1.5 million. Her wealth comes from various sources:
Primary Income Streams:
- Music sales and streaming revenue
- Live performances and concerts
- Brand endorsements (previously with Etisalat/9mobile and Opera Mini)
- Her independent record label, Studio Brat
- Acting projects
Her decision to go independent with Studio Brat has likely increased her profit margins significantly, as she now retains greater control over her music’s commercialization.
Musical Style and Artistry
Simi’s music style is primarily rooted in rhythm and blues, soul, and hip-hop, but she’s never been one to limit herself to a single genre. Her sound seamlessly blends:
- Afro-pop with contemporary R&B influences
- Traditional Nigerian musical elements with modern production
- Soulful vocals with meaningful, relatable lyrics
- Gospel undertones that reflect her spiritual foundation