“It’s everywhere, women are pinned against each other” — Simi

Nigerian music artiste Simi opens up on the challenges facing women in the entertainment scene of Nigeria and how they are constantly pinned against each other.

In a recent interview with American OAP Angela Yee, popular Nigerian singer Simi opened up about many topics ranging from women and her recent collaboration with fellow artist Tiwa Savage and shed light on the challenges faced by female artists in the music industry.

Discussing her collaboration with Tiwa Savage, Simi expressed admiration for the veteran artist’s talent and longevity in the industry.

“Whether or not I do a song with Tiwa, I respect her. I think she’s a phenomenal artist. She’s been in the game for so long and she’s been killing this.”

Simi emphasized her respect for Tiwa Savage, highlighting her remarkable journey as a single mother in the music industry.

She revealed that Tiwa’s resilience and ability to navigate the challenges of motherhood while pursuing her career served as a source of inspiration for her.

“Watching her, at the time I wasn’t married and I didn’t have a child, so seeing how she got through that as well. Because the industry is not necessarily kind or patient with women.

“At the end of the day, if you’re going to carry the child, the woman has to be the one. So seeing her just find her way back and doing all these things, I just really admire her and think she’s amazing.”

Simi also addressed the issue of female artists being pitted against each other in the industry. She acknowledged the intensity of comparisons and the pressure it creates, noting that the limited number of female artists amplifies the competition.

“It’s everywhere. It’s so intense sometimes. Sometimes, it can be so distracting. Because there are not as many of us as compared to the guys in the industry, so when you have the few of us and a new lady break in the industry, immediately, they just put her against us. We can all thrive.”

Simi stressed on the importance of supporting and uplifting one another, rather than succumbing to divisive narratives.

Reflecting on her own experiences, Simi highlighted the misconceptions surrounding female artists’ interactions and collaborations. She stressed the need for a more nuanced understanding of women’s roles in the industry, beyond mere collaborations, and expressed her hope for stronger relationships among female artists.

The interview also provided insight into Simi’s personal life, reminding audiences of her marriage to fellow singer Adekunle Gold in 2019 and the birth of their first child, Adejare, in 2020.

Simi, who tied the knot with fellow singer Adekunle Gold in 2019 and welcomed their first child in 2020, spoke candidly about her journey as a wife and mother within the music industry. She emphasized the need for more support and understanding for women balancing their personal and professional lives.

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