Nigerian singer and songwriter Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has opened up about the personal and health challenges that delayed the release of her song “Where You Dey” featuring Chike.
In a heartfelt post on her X page on Friday, Simi explained that she had planned to release the track last year after sharing a snippet that quickly gained widespread excitement. However, the release was postponed as she battled severe physical ailments.
“I was sick and weak and nauseous and tired, and my body just wouldn’t do what I wanted it to,” she revealed, adding that she pushed through her illness during the snippet video shoot to deliver her best performance.
Simi also praised Chike, describing her admiration for his voice and professionalism, and saying she knew he was the perfect collaborator for the song. Although he was initially out of town, he reportedly rushed to her studio immediately after returning, unaware that she was pregnant and unwell at the time.
Looking back on the studio sessions, Simi said she was surprised by the energy she displayed in the recorded video, considering her physical condition.
She also disclosed that she handled the mixing and mastering of the track herself—despite her dislike for mastering—because of the circumstances surrounding the project.
“I hate mastering, so I don’t know what I was thinking,” she admitted.
Simi expressed disappointment about missing the intended release deadline, especially since fans had already fallen in love with the song and eagerly anticipated its official drop. She explained that her health left her too weak to promote the record properly or even remember parts of the content creation process.
Addressing long-standing public speculation about her career, Simi said the song’s release also serves as a response to critics who claim she abandoned her career after marriage.
The singer’s revelation sheds light on the often unseen struggles behind artistic releases and underscores the resilience required to stay creative while facing personal challenges.