- Full Name: Simisola Bolatito Kosoko (née Ogunleye)
- Stage Name: Simi
- Date of Birth: April 19, 1988
- Place of Birth: Ojuelegba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Genres: Afro-pop, Soul, R&B, Gospel (early career)
- Record Label: Studio Brat (founder)
- Notable Works: Joromi, Duduke, Lost and Found album
- Major Awards: Headies Award, AFRIMA, City People Music Award
- Spouse: Adekunle Gold (m. 2019)
- Children: One daughter, Adejare “Deja” Kosoko
1. Full Name and Stage Name
Her birth name is Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye, and after her marriage to Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold (Adekunle Kosoko), she is sometimes referred to as Simisola Bolatito Kosoko. She is widely known by her professional stage name Simi, a simple and catchy moniker that has become a household name in the Nigerian music industry and across Africa.
Over the years, Simi has stuck to her single-stage name identity, which has helped build her personal brand. She does not have many known aliases, but fans occasionally call her “Simisola,” “Mrs. Kosoko,” or playfully “Queen of Love Songs” due to her romantic and soulful style of music.
2. Early Life and Background
Simi was born on 19 April 1988 in Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the youngest of four children in her family and grew up in a lively and close-knit environment.
Her childhood was marked by a blend of fun and challenges; her parents separated when she was about nine years old, and she has spoken in interviews about how this shaped her resilience and independence.
As a child, she was known to be energetic, outspoken, and adventurous — qualities that reflected in her describing herself as a tomboy. She spent much of her early years engaging in activities that boys her age enjoyed, such as climbing trees, playing football, and dressing in a more boyish fashion.
Her first encounters with music came from church life. Simi joined her local church choir, where she learned the fundamentals of singing, harmonization, and live performance. This early exposure not only nurtured her vocal talent but also instilled in her a deep love for writing and performing music. Coming from a Yoruba background, she also grew up surrounded by Nigerian cultural music, Afrobeat influences, and the pop sounds of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
3. Education
Simi began her formal education in Lagos State, attending primary school before proceeding to Stars International College in Ikorodu for her secondary education. She excelled in her studies while maintaining an active interest in creative arts, particularly music and writing. Her academic performance, especially in the arts and languages, reflected her natural ability to express herself creatively.
After completing secondary school, she gained admission to Covenant University, one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, where she studied Mass Communication. During her university years, she was actively involved in campus events, talent shows, and music-related activities.
The knowledge she gained in media studies, public speaking, and communication strategies later played a key role in shaping her brand image and understanding the business side of the entertainment industry. She graduated with a degree in Mass Communication, fully prepared to navigate both the artistic and promotional aspects of her career.
- Career Beginnings
Simi’s musical journey officially began in the gospel music genre. While still a teenager, she was already writing songs and performing them in church. She penned her first song at just 10 years old, demonstrating her early ability for lyrical storytelling and melody creation.
In 2008, she released her debut gospel album titled Ogaju, which contained tracks such as “Iya Temi” and “Ara Ile.” The album was produced by Samklef, a well-known Nigerian music producer at the time.
Although Ogaju did not achieve widespread commercial success, it served as a stepping stone in Simi’s career, introducing her to the recording process and giving her the experience of releasing a full body of work. During this period, she performed at church programs, community events, and small concerts, gradually building a modest fan base.
Simi’s sound at the time was rooted in inspirational and faith-based messages, but she was also experimenting with contemporary rhythms and harmonies that hinted at her eventual transition to mainstream pop and Afro-fusion.
5. Rise to Fame / Breakthrough Moment
Simi’s major turning point came in 2014 with the release of her Restless EP, a collection of covers of popular international songs. The EP showcased her unique vocal style, emotive delivery, and ability to reinterpret well-known tracks in fresh ways. The project caught the attention of X3M Music, a Nigerian record label that signed her later that year.
Her single “Tiff”, released in 2014 under X3M Music, became the song that truly introduced her to a wider Nigerian audience. It was a smooth, soulful tune that earned critical acclaim and resonated with lovers of alternative and Afro-soul music. “Tiff” was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies in 2015, a recognition that signaled her arrival as one of Nigeria’s promising talents.
Following the buzz from “Tiff” and other singles like “Jamb Question” and “Love Don’t Care,” Simi released her second studio album, Simisola, in 2017. The album debuted at number five on the Billboard World Albums chart, cementing her place in the Afropop and Afro-soul scene.
It produced several hit singles that dominated Nigerian airwaves and expanded her fan base internationally. Her relatable songwriting, often focused on themes of love, relationships, and everyday life, became her signature and endeared her to millions of listeners.
Her rise to fame was not just about her music — her image as a down-to-earth, relatable, and unpretentious artist made her stand out in an industry often driven by glamour. She quickly became one of the most respected female voices in Nigerian music, known for her authenticity and artistry.
6. Major Achievements and Awards
Over the course of her career, Simi has garnered numerous awards and recognitions that highlight her versatility and contribution to Nigerian music. In 2015, she won Most Promising Act to Watch at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and Most Promising Act of the Year at the City People Entertainment Awards. The following year, she continued her winning streak with Female Artiste of the Year and Choice Upcoming Female Artist at the Nigerian Teen Choice Awards.
Her collaboration “Soldier” with rapper Falz became a cultural moment, earning Best Collaboration at The Headies in 2016. The track’s music video, which played out as a short film, was praised for its creativity and storytelling. In 2017, Simi was honored with Songwriter of the Year at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), a recognition that underscored her lyrical skills.
Her 2017 album Simisola swept major awards, including Album of the Year, Best Recording of the Year for “Smile for Me,” and Best R&B Single for “Smile for Me” at The Headies in 2018. That same year, she was awarded Artist of the Year at the City People Music Awards. In addition, her work as a sound engineer—often mixing and mastering her own songs—was recognized with a Beatz Award for her engineering on “Remind Me.”
In 2022, she was named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Ambassador, joining a roster of African female artists being spotlighted for global exposure. This role not only reaffirmed her influence in music but also positioned her as a leader in promoting women’s voices in the African entertainment industry.
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Style and Personality
Simi’s artistic style is defined by her ability to blend multiple genres seamlessly—Afropop, R&B, soul, highlife, and even elements of folk and juju music. Her voice carries a soft yet powerful quality, capable of delivering both emotional ballads and upbeat tracks with equal impact.
Her songwriting often revolves around themes of love, heartbreak, personal growth, and social commentary, with a storytelling approach that makes her music deeply relatable.
As a performer, Simi embraces simplicity and authenticity. She is not one to follow flashy industry trends blindly; instead, she focuses on staying true to her natural, girl-next-door charm. Off-stage, she is witty, playful, and humorous—often showing her comedic side through social media posts and banter with fans. She also stands out in the industry for her technical skills; Simi is an accomplished sound engineer and has worked behind the scenes mixing and mastering not only her music but also her husband Adekunle Gold’s early projects.
Her personal style blends comfort with understated elegance. She often opts for bright, cheerful colors, minimal makeup, and hairstyles ranging from natural curls to protective styles—reflecting her belief in confidence and individuality rather than conforming to stereotypes of glamour.
8. Personal Life
Simi married Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold (Adekunle Kosoko) on January 9, 2019, in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. The couple had reportedly been in a relationship for several years before making it public. Together, they are seen as one of Nigerian music’s most admired power couples, often supporting each other’s work both publicly and privately.
Their union was blessed with a daughter, Adejare “Deja” Kosoko, born on May 30, 2020. Simi has occasionally shared heartfelt messages and moments about motherhood, describing it as one of her most transformative experiences. In addition to her role as a wife and mother, she continues to expand her career beyond music. She made her acting debut in Kunle Afolayan’s 2019 film Mokalik, where she played the role of a young woman navigating life’s crossroads.
Internationally, Simi’s career has also flourished. In 2022, she embarked on her “To Be Honest” North American tour, performing across major cities in the United States and Canada. In 2023, she joined the lineup for select shows on Alicia Keys’ tour, marking another milestone in her global presence.
9. Philanthropy and Social Impact
Although Simi is known for keeping her charitable activities relatively low-profile, her influence in promoting women’s empowerment is undeniable. As a Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador, she has actively spoken about the importance of giving female artists more visibility and opportunities in the male-dominated African music scene. Through her platform, she highlights issues surrounding gender equality, creativity, and fair recognition in the industry.
She has also lent her voice to causes such as education, mental health awareness, and positive youth development. Simi has participated in online campaigns encouraging young people to pursue their dreams despite societal limitations.
Her songs, particularly those with strong messages like “Love Don’t Care,” address social topics such as prejudice, discrimination, and empathy—further proving her role as an artist with a conscience.
10. Controversies and Public Criticism
For the most part, Simi has maintained a clean public image, steering clear of the scandals that often engulf celebrities. However, in 2019, she found herself in the middle of an online controversy after she criticized internet fraudsters—popularly referred to as “Yahoo Boys”—for damaging Nigeria’s global reputation.
Her remarks sparked backlash from some fans and led to an online disagreement with singer Naira Marley, who publicly countered her statements.
Another source of public speculation was her close working relationship with rapper Falz during their collaborative projects. Rumors of a romantic relationship between them circulated widely before she clarified that their connection was purely platonic and professional. These minor incidents aside, Simi is regarded as one of the most disciplined and controversy-free artists in the Nigerian music scene.
11. Net Worth and Lifestyle
Simi’s net worth has been estimated to range from $3 million to $8 million, with some estimates going as high as $10 million. Her wealth comes from multiple income streams, including music sales, streaming royalties, live performances, brand endorsements, and her work as a songwriter and sound engineer.
She has signed endorsement deals with top brands like Etisalat (now 9mobile), Opera Mini, and other lifestyle and tech companies.
In 2019, she launched her independent record label, Studio Brat, giving her more control over her music and business decisions. Despite her success, Simi maintains a balanced lifestyle—splitting her time between the creative demands of the studio, touring schedules, and her home life with her family.
Her social media presence shows glimpses of her enjoying family moments, studio sessions, and occasional luxury getaways, but she often emphasizes gratitude and simplicity over extravagance.
12. Recent Activities / Current Projects
In mid-2024, Simi released her fifth studio album, Lost and Found, an introspective and melodically rich collection blending Afrobeat, R&B, and soul. It features collaborations with Tiwa Savage, Lojay, Bella Shmurda, Aṣa, Falz, Ladipoe, and even legendary Ebenezer Obey.
This album was released under her independent imprint, Studio Brat, and showcases her deeper exploration of authenticity and creative freedom.
In 2025, she took the stage at Global Citizen’s Move Afrika concert in Lagos, sharing the spotlight with John Legend in a memorable and culturally vibrant performance . She continues to tour internationally, reinforcing her global reach and resonating with audiences worldwide.
13. Influence and Legacy
Simi’s influence is rooted in her unwavering authenticity and genre-fluid artistry. Beyond her smooth vocals and emotive songwriting, she has become a role model for self-reliance—producing, engineering, and writing much of her music independently. Her career trajectory has inspired younger African artists, especially women, to own their creativity and production.
As a Spotify EQUAL Africa ambassador, she has helped spotlight female African musicians on global platforms, advocating for equal recognition and opportunity in the music industry. Her legacy is one of artistry, feminine strength, and evolving Afro-pop expression.
14. Social Media and Online Presence
Simi maintains an authentic and inspiring presence across social media platforms. She shares motivational posts, candid thoughts, and glimpses into her life and creative process, engaging sincerely with fans. One recent tweet on X (formerly Twitter) offered this life advice:
“Don’t live for the love of people. It’s fickle as f*ck. Live for truth. Be kind. Be honest. Live for God…”
Her digital influence continues to grow—Spotify metrics show a significant 594% increase in monthly listeners and a spike of over 3,400 new Instagram followers as of mid-2025.
15. Quotes and Personal Statements (Optional but adds depth)
One of her heartfelt reflections, shared during her time as an EQUAL Africa ambassador, highlights the challenges women face in music:
“Striving and thriving as a woman in a male-dominated industry has taken years of practice to master… with my love for music, I have been relentless.”
These words resonate with her journey—where persistence, creativity, and authenticity have driven her path forward.
16. Interesting Facts
- Her 2024 album Lost and Found was recorded over two years and intended as a personal rediscovery of musical passion after becoming a mother.
- She is hands-on in her artistry—not just as a singer but as a producer, sound engineer, and label head under Studio Brat.
- Simi has maintained a relatively controversy-free image, with her rare but candid statements sparking meaningful conversation rather than scandal.
17. Conclusion
Simi’s artistic journey—a blend of gospel roots, Afro-soul evolution, and powerful independence—has positioned her as one of Nigeria’s most beloved and authentic voices. From her early debut to recent global performances, she exemplifies creative resilience, emotional depth, and artistic autonomy. Through her music, social presence, and advocacy, she continues to uplift women in the industry and inspire authentic storytelling in Afro-pop. Looking ahead, her continued growth, both personally and professionally, promises even more richly textured chapters in her legacy.
