Nigerian singer and songwriter Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has revealed that health and personal challenges were behind the delay of her highly anticipated song “Where You Dey” featuring Chike.
In a statement shared on her X (formerly Twitter) page on Friday, Simi explained that she had originally planned to release the track last year after a snippet sparked excitement among fans, but was unable to meet the timeline due to her physical condition at the time.
“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.
Simi noted that even during the recording of the snippet video, she was unwell but pushed through. She also praised Chike for his professionalism, calling him the perfect collaborator.
“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 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.
Reflecting on the recording process, Simi admitted she was surprised by her energy in the studio video, given her condition at the time. She also revealed that she mixed and mastered the track herself, despite disliking the mastering process.
“Watching this video back now, I can’t even understand where the energy came from. 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 was thinking,” she said.
The singer admitted feeling disappointed about missing the initial release deadline, especially as fans had already connected 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 recording this video. Given how much I love this song, I’m a little bummed I couldn’t give it the energy it deserves. But please, know that a lot of love and resilience went into this song,” she added.
Simi also used the release to address long-standing public speculation that she had abandoned her music career for marriage.
“PS: This is a chance for those of you that say I gave up my career for marriage to fight(?) for my… rights? That or stfu,” she said.
