Popular Nigerian vocal powerhouse Simi has, for the first time, directly addressed claims that she stepped away from her career because of marriage.
The singer opened up while reflecting on the journey behind her latest single, “Where You Dey,” a soulful collaboration with fellow artist Chike, revealing that the song was born during one of the most physically demanding periods of her life.
According to Simi, the record was initially scheduled for release in 2025. However, persistent health challenges forced her to repeatedly push back the project, slowing both her creative process and productivity.
On January 23, 2026, Simi took to her social media page to share a throwback clip from a studio session last year, when she was recording the song with Chike. Alongside the video, she explained that although she had teased the track with a snippet and hoped to drop it earlier, completing the song became extremely difficult.
She revealed that at the time, she was constantly sick, weak, nauseous, and exhausted, a phase she described simply as a “blur.” Even while filming the snippet video, Simi said she was far from well, pushing herself through the session despite her body giving out on her.
Speaking on the collaboration, Simi expressed deep admiration for Chike’s voice and artistry, saying she never doubted he was the perfect fit for the song.
She praised his professionalism and dedication, revealing that although he was initially out of town, he came straight to her studio the very next day after returning, unaware that she was pregnant and physically struggling.
Reflecting on the studio footage afterwards, Simi admitted she was shocked by the energy she appeared to have, noting that she barely recognized herself in the video. She also revealed that after recording, she struggled with mixing and mastering the song due to her condition and eventually decided to master it herself, despite disliking the process.
The missed release deadline was especially painful for the singer. She said fans had already connected deeply with the song and were eagerly waiting for it. Her health challenges also affected her ability to promote the record properly, as she barely remembered parts of the video shoot.
Despite everything, Simi emphasised that “Where You Dey” was created with love, resilience, and determination. She urged listeners to receive the song with open hearts and give it the energy she couldn’t fully give at the time.
In a pointed closing remark, Simi directly addressed critics who claim she abandoned her career for marriage, dismissing the narrative entirely and letting the music speak for itself.
“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. WHERE YOU DEY > Simi ft @officialchike out everywhere now 🩵🩵.”
Reacting to the clip, Chike confirmed that Simi has welcomed twins, leaving a lighthearted comment under the post:
“This was so much fun and I definitely did not know the twins were in the room 😂❤️❤️❤️🎉.”
The moment not only marked a powerful return for Simi but also served as a quiet reminder that her artistry never paused, it endured.
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