Songstress and songwriter, Simisola Ogunleye or simply Simi stole our hearts with her sweet and subtle voice when she made a comeback with her hit songs, Tiff and Jamb Question. Ever since, she has been in our heads and hearts dishing out hits after hits. She granted Impelling Africa an exclusive interview taking us back to how it all started and how she has overcome challenges she encountered along the way.
Tell us a little about yourself (childhood memories, educational background)
My name is Simisola Ogunleye. I’m a Mass Communication graduate of Covenant University. I’m the last born and only girl of 4 children (from my mum). My dad passed on the 8th of March, 2014. I used to be a bit of a tomboy as a kid, but not so much anymore. My favourite things to do have always been writing, reading, singing and then more singing. I was a pretty spoilt kid when I was really young but I learned to become independent. I think it’s because my parents were separated when I was nine and somehow you learn that you have to grow up fast. You realise life is not a bed of roses and even though my parents definitely loved my brothers and I and did their best, I just knew that there’s really no safety net. Nothing is certain, so you learn to take care of yourself. This attitude has played a big part in the most important decisions I’ve had to make in my life, decisions that have brought me here and will take me where I want to be.
At what point did you decide you wanted to go into music, and how did your parents react to that considering you started out as a chorister?
I think I knew I could sing when I was 8. It was nothing too serious. I didn’t grow up with a lot of music around me. My family is not
music-inclined, so at the time, I really couldn’t have cared-less if I could hold a tune. But then, in church, a few kids were asked to sing for Children’s Day and when I took the solo, everyone’s face lit up. I felt something stir in me. People reacted the same way when I just got into secondary school as well. So that was how I knew. I became very drawn to music. I didn’t even really listen to any music. I just used to make stuff up in my head and I couldn’t get enough. I wrote my first full song when I was ten. I was so giddy and I sang it to my mum when she got back from work and she hugged me and said she was proud of me. All these little moments made the perfect foundation.
As for my parents’ reaction, I didn’t even bother about it. I’m such a dreamer. I believe in living your dreams and living your life to the
fullest, so I guess I just figured they would either approved or not – It didn’t matter. However, my mum has always been extremely supportive. She paid for my first few studio sessions. My dad was a nut for school and academics, so I don’t think he took me seriously as a singer. But generally, nobody gave me too much trouble.
Being a writer of your songs, what inspires you and what would your style of music be termed as?
I’m an Afro-Pop/Soul singer. Everything inspires me. Every story inspires me. If I hear something interesting, I write it down (sometimes, in my head). Sometimes, there’s something there. Sometimes, there isn’t. But I like to ride on any wave I find and just hope that there is, in fact, something there.
Besides being a singer and a writer, what is that one thing you can do without attaching monetary values to it?
I have a blog that I, unfortunately, have not been faithful to. I don’t say anything about music on there. I just express myself. Goof around. I also would love to somehow work on issues concerning women and kids whose voices have been shut down. I’m still learning, but I sure want to come out of my shell and see the world through someone else’s eyes – for
free.
Having won the most promising act to watch at the NEA awards 2015, what awards do you look forward to bagging in the future, what are the things that keep you focused?
I want a Grammy and I’m gonna get one by the grace of God. To be very honest though, my favourite award is the one I get on Instagram or Twitter or Whatsapp when someone says, “I love your music. It inspires me. It changed my life. It makes me happy.” The joy is insurmountable. I don’t think everybody can like any one thing. But for those that do like it – for those that actually love you and your work, they’re the ones that count. So you have to treat them like gold.
Every success or route to success comes with its own challenges, what has been your challenges and how have you managed you keep a clear head and stay focused?
Before I got signed to X3M Music, my biggest challenge was finding a platform and getting the funds. Music is not a joke. The industry is very demanding and you have to always be on top of your game. I don’t know if that’s a challenge, but music keeps you on your toes hundred percent of the time. Also, you have to grow a thick skin. Some people are mean for no reason at all. Like, no reason. But, I have such a gift for letting things bounce off me. Always have. I guess it’s because I already know that there’s no safety net, so nothing surprises me.
At what point would or did you consider yourself successful and who would you say you consider a role model?
Every time I do something people love, I consider that a success. Everyday I’m absolutely thankful for the gift God has given me and the people that support me day in and day out. That’s success to me and I don’t take it for granted. As for being a role model, if you’re in the limelight, you are one. So you’re either a bad or a good one. You can’t choose to not be a role model. It’s a responsibility that comes with fame. With or without your permission. So you have to watch yourself, but also be yourself, because pretense won’t last.
Being a young lady and thriving in the entertainment industry as an artist, sound engineer and a producer, how do you juggle that and, what advice would you give another young lady who wishes to make strides like you have?
I’m a little bit of a work-freak. I haven’t always been that way though. I learned that to make it, your work ethic has to be fire. Like super fire, especially as a woman. Nobody’s going to hand anything to you. Push yourself. Hone your skill. Don’t be average and have fun. Enjoy yourself. If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’ll burn out.
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The post EXCLUSIVE: “Music is not a joke. The industry is very demanding and you have to always be on top of your game” – Simi appeared first on Impelling Africa.