Nigerian singer and songwriter Simisola Kosoko, professionally known as Simi, has explained that health-related challenges were the major reason her song Where You Dey, featuring Chike, did not come out as planned last year.
The singer shared the details in a post on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, noting that although she was eager to release the track after teasing fans with a snippet, her physical condition made it difficult to complete and promote the song at the time.
Simi revealed that she was battling sickness, extreme weakness and exhaustion, which affected her ability to work effectively during that period.
“I really, really, really wanted to drop this song last year. When I first put out the snippet, I was so excited – but it was hard to finish it on time because everything was a blur. I was sick and weak and nauseous and tired and my body just wouldn’t do what I wanted it to. Even in the snippet video, I wasn’t feeling great. I was just trying my best,” she said.
She explained that even while filming the short video used to promote the song, she was unwell and only managing to push through.
The singer also spoke fondly of her collaboration with Chike, describing him as the perfect choice for the song. According to her, although he was out of town when she first reached out, he came to her studio immediately after returning, without knowing she was pregnant and struggling physically.
“I adore Chike’s voice and I knew it was him that had to be on the song with me. When I asked him to give me a verse, he was so ready to go, but he was out of town. As soon as he came back, he came over to my studio the next day. I got a lotta respect for him. He didn’t know I was pregnant and suffering,” she said.
Looking back at the studio footage, Simi admitted she was surprised by how energetic she appeared despite her condition.
“Watching this video back now, I can’t even understand where the energy came from,” she added.
She further disclosed that she handled the mixing and mastering of the song herself, even though mastering is not her favourite part of the process.
“When the song was done, I struggled to mix it. Even so, I decided to master it myself. I hate mastering, so I don’t know what I thinking,” she said.
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Prompt News reports Simi also admitted feeling disappointed about missing the initial release deadline, especially after fans had already connected deeply with the song.
“I was so disappointed that I couldn’t meet the deadline. Everyone had fallen in love with the song and was asking me to put it out. I didn’t have the energy to make content. I don’t even remember them recording this video. Given how much I love this song, I’m a little bummed I couldn’t give it energy it deserves. But please, know that a lot of love and resilience went into this song. I hope that you can let less be more for this one. I hope you can give it the energy that I couldn’t. That I can’t,” she said.
Addressing long-standing speculation about her career, the singer added that the release also serves as a response to claims that she abandoned music after getting married.
“PS: This is a chance for those of you that say I gave up my career for marriage to fight(?) for my uhm…rights? That or stfu,” she added.
