Award-winning Nigerian singer, Simisola Kosoko, better known
by her stage name Simi, recently
shared the candid story of her transition from
gospel music to the secular genre. Speaking during an interview on MTV Base
Africa’s program, Official Naija Top 10, the talented artist unveiled the
reasons behind her decision to leave gospel music behind.
Recalling her early days as a gospel musician, Simi revealed
that the pay she received for her performances was remarkably low, often
ranging between N5,000 and N10,000. The highest amount she ever received for a
show during that time was N70,000, which, at the moment, felt like a
significant milestone for her. Nevertheless, she remained humble and continued
to give a tithe from her earnings.
As time went on, Simi encountered various challenges in her
gospel music journey, primarily financial constraints. The meager earnings were
barely sufficient to cover studio sessions and promotional expenses, pushing
her to reevaluate her career path. It was at this point that she made the
difficult decision to part ways with gospel music.
Seeking opportunities to sustain her musical aspirations, she
eventually signed with a record label. In hindsight, Simi admits that she
regretted joining the label, as it brought about its own set of challenges.
In light of her struggles within the gospel music industry
and her determination to pursue her passion, Simi decided to make a significant
shift to secular music. The move proved to be transformative for her career, as
she found new avenues to express her talent and build a more stable foundation
for her musical endeavors.
Today, Simi stands as a successful artist, celebrated both in
Nigeria and beyond, and her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring
musicians facing similar hurdles in their pursuit of success.
