'It's very difficult for an artiste to survive without a record label' - Simi

Simi‘s music career has soared tremendously since the release of her debut gospel album eight years ago, and she attributes her growth to realising she has to ‘work harder as a woman’.

The album went largely unnoticed but the singer has since become one of the music industry’s brightest stars with releases such as ‘Tiff’, ‘Jamb Question’, ‘Soldier’ and ‘Love Don’t Care’.

Speaking with Punch, Simi who doubles as a sound engineer, revealed some of the challenges she has had to battle since making her entry in the entertainment circle.

‘It’s very difficult for an artiste to succeed independently before he or she is signed on with a label. This is because having a successful music career is capital intensive. The ability to keep my head straight at times when it seems as though I am wasting time, is no walk in the park,’ she said.

‘There are so many talented artistes competing for the top spot, so keeping faith alive is hard. Coming and breaking into mainstream music is also hard. I recently realised that I have to work harder as a woman because I can’t afford to make any excuses.’

Raised by a single parent since the age of nine, Simi said her music reflects ‘real-life scenarios that are relatable inspire me. With regards to one of my recent songs, Love don’t care, I was trying to express how carefree love is; its not a respecter of persons or situations.’