From Gospel Roots to Industry Shaker – Icon Who’s Proving ‘Men Are Crazy’

Simisola Bolatito Kosoko has always been a force to reckon with, blending her soulful voice with heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply with fans worldwide. From her humble beginnings as a gospel singer, where she captured hearts with her debut album Ogaju, to becoming one of Nigeria’s most beloved artists, her journey has been nothing short of inspiring.

Her breakout hit “Tiff” in 2014 marked the beginning of a meteoric rise, leading to multiple award nominations and setting her on a path to musical stardom. But for Simi, it wasn’t just about the fame—it was about creating music that speaks to the soul. With each album, from Simisola to Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1, she has continued to push the boundaries of her sound, exploring new themes while staying true to her roots.

Beyond her music, Simi’s life took a beautiful turn when she married fellow artist Adekunle Gold, a union that has become one of the most admired in the entertainment industry. Together, they have crafted a unique narrative of love and partnership that shines through both in their personal lives and in their collaborative projects.

Now, with the release of her latest album, Lost and Found, Simi invites us into a new chapter of her life—one that explores the complexities of rediscovery, love, and self-reflection. Like much of her work, this album speaks to her growth as an artist and person.

In this interview, she opens up about her early beginnings, the evolution of her career, and the creative process behind Lost and Found.

Congratulations on your latest album. Can you take us right back to the beginning? How did your journey into music start?

I fell in love with music pretty early, and I didn’t grow up in a musical family. However, I had a personal relationship with melodies, words, and stories, and I decided to make that my journey because of how it made me feel.

A lot of people don’t even know you initially started off as a gospel artist?How did your experience with the gospel genre and the album “Ogaju” shape your musical journey?

It was the beginning of my career as an artist, and it helped me see what it was like to create a project. Just doing what I’m doing on a smaller scale, I think, prepared me for where I’m at right now.

Can you describe the moment when you felt you had truly found your sound?

I remember I was in the States for about four months, and I was recording on my laptop with a USB microphone. I think I had adobe audition software, which couldn’t really do much, and then I was desperate to find my own sound. I didn’t just want to be another singer, and I didn’t think I knew exactly when I found it because there’s a song I wrote that I don’t remember what it sounds like now, and I could hear it. I could hear exactly what it was supposed to be when I made that song, and that was in 2012.

How has your music evolved from your debut album “Ogaju” to “Lost and Found”?

I definitely think that I’m a better singer. I know my voice better. I know I’m more mature now. I have more experiences, so all the things that I’ve learned along the way from my debut to this point have added to the kind of music I make now.

Looking back, which album do you think was a turning point in your career?

I’d say the album that was a turning point for me in my career is “Simisola”. It definitely has to be that album.

What inspired the title of your latest album, “Lost and Found”?

Lost and Found was inspired by my personal and musical journey to where I am now. I had a phase where I was unsure of what I wanted. I felt like I was experimenting and wasn’t sure in what direction. But still, I felt like I needed that as well because nothing is static; everything is dynamic, so it’s like I lost that raw connection that I had to music and writing. It became about just ticking a box or getting things done, but now I feel connected on a very strong level with the energy and chemistry I had with making music, which has been beautiful for me.

You’ve mentioned that “Lost and Found” is about reclaiming parts of yourself. What did you rediscover during this process?

It was great, you know; I’ve come quite a long way in my journey. I’ve been doing this for over a decade now, and being able to make music with people that I’ve looked up to for the longest time is definitely something that I’m excited to have done in my time.

Are there any artists or producers you worked with on this album that you felt particularly connected with?

Quite frankly, this album has more artist collaborations than I’ve ever had on any other project. I’m not one to do things, just to do things, so I definitely connected with all the artists on a different level. All the songs mean different things to me. That’s why if anybody asks me who my favourite is, I really don’t have one. I could definitely connect with all the artists that I featured. I worked with mostly one producer. I had about three or four producers, but one producer made about 10 songs. So, that connection is important to me as well because if I cannot connect with you, then I can’t work with you. Because I don’t know how to beg people.

We are also a bit curious: what’s the story behind the single “Men Are Crazy”?

I think if you pay attention to the lyrics of “Men Are Crazy”, you’ll get a vivid picture of the story behind it because really, aren’t men crazy? And yet, we somehow want them. It’s like we’re bound to them and somehow can’t function in this world without them, one way or the other.

What’s your favourite track from your new album and what’s the story behind it?

My favourite track on the new album is Lost and Found, and it’s because the energy behind that song is the same energy that was behind my making of the album. The theme feels very personal to me as it borders on rediscovery— me rediscovering myself and that was the energy I channelled into making the song, and the album itself.

What are some of the most challenging aspects of managing your career independently?

The most challenging part of being an independent artist is you know a lot is dependent on you, you know which is actually one of the reasons why I want to start my own label because I want to be responsible for my wins and my losses and because I feel like it would push me more, it would drive me more. And there’s a learning curve – you learn on the job; there are things that I was used to — being assigned to someone else and also having this team that I didn’t have to worry about certain things, but I had to learn. It took me quite a couple of years to actually learn how to take that space and occupy that space unapologetically. Still, it’s more responsibility, but it’s necessary, and it’s empowering what inspired you.

So, a bit on the music industry: what do you think has been the biggest change since you started?

I don’t think there’s one thing that has been the biggest change. I think there have been several changes, and they’re all being in their own right, but in my own time, I think that one boom, like you know, that change that’s happened globally has been the biggest change because when I found my break in the industry things were kind of slower paced. People had a more personal relationship with music as compared to now when it’s more about what’s trending and what’s vibing.

Is it really hard for women? That’s the impression we are given.

I personally think it’s not easy for everyone — male and female inclusive. While we women might find it relatively harder navigating our way in the Nigerian music industry, it’s still the same thing for every gender. Men find it hard; women find it hard. It’s who is determined to keep showing up regardless that ends up getting acknowledged.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

You know, right now, from where I’m standing, I don’t know that I would change anything. I think that things happen how they need to for it to get to where it needs to be.

Back to you, where do you see yourself and your music in the next ten years?

That’s asking me to be a foreseer. One thing I do know, though, is that a lot has changed about me and my music since I started. So, I just hope things keep getting better in the coming years.

What would you define as a moment of discovery or realisation that significantly impacted your career?

I don’t know if I would say it was a discovery, but I know that there’s a way that they expect women to be. I wasn’t trying to be any of those things. I just wanted to be me. I just wanted to be who I was and sing. And I think just knowing exactly who I was and continuing to acknowledge that other people’s opinions about me did not decide who I was, did not decide my value, helped me to continue being strong and firm in my authenticity. Continuing to discover parts of myself makes me feel much more empowered, strong, capable, and true.

Finally, what does success mean to you at this stage of your career?

Just being happy. It’s the same thing it’s always meant to me. Doing what I love and having people that love what I do. Continuing to tune in to it.

SOURCE: THISDAY Style