The affectionate nickname stems from Simi's hit song, "Duduke," released in 2020 while she was anticipating her daughter's birth. The track became a fan favorite, and when Simi and her husband, fellow artist Adekunle Gold, welcomed Adejare in June 2020, many fans began using "Duduke" as a playful moniker for their child.
The Meaning Behind "Duduke" (or Lack Thereof)
However, in a recent chat with VJ Adams, Simi clarified why she dislikes the association. She explained that "Duduke" isn't a name with any inherent meaning; rather, it's an onomatopoeia she used in the song to mimic the sound of a heartbeat.
"People call my daughter Duduke, which I don’t like. That’s not her name. It doesn’t even mean anything," Simi stated. "Had it meant something good, I would have allowed it. But it’s just a beat, duduke, duduke. That was what I meant. My heart beats like a drum."
While acknowledging that the nickname comes from a place of affection, Simi gently urged people to refrain from using it for her daughter. Her request highlights a common experience for public figures whose children often become associated with their parents' work or public personas. It's a reminder that while fan engagement is appreciated, respecting personal boundaries and identity, especially for children, is paramount.