Nigerian singer-songwriter Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has voiced her concerns about the growing trend of established artistes launching record labels and signing up-and-coming musicians merely as a career milestone rather than out of genuine commitment. In a candid interview with VJ Adams, Simi argued that the business of managing and developing artists should be left to those with a real passion for the music industry.
Simi explained that while she is open to mentoring young talents, she finds it “unfair” when successful artistes sign others just to tick a box or as a side project. She said,
“I can sign an artist but I think that it’s not fair when an artist signs another artist just as a milestone. Because for that artist, it’s just a passion project for them and not necessarily to accomplish a goal. But then, that’s their life.”
She emphasized that running a record label requires unwavering belief and long-term investment in the signed artist, even when things don’t go as planned.
“I think the only people that should sign artists are people who really have passion for music business. So that whether or not the artist is thriving at the moment, they will still believe in the artist. Whether or not the song that you thought would blow did not blow, are you willing to keep going? Are you willing to last on it? Because that’s actually somebody’s life. That’s their dream.”
Reflecting on her own experience as a signed artist, Simi questioned the intentions of those signing new talents:
“That was the way that I saw myself when I was getting signed like, ‘How do you see me? Am I just a box you are ticketing or is it as important to you as it is to me?’”
She concluded by admitting that she herself is unsure if she has the drive and energy required to truly nurture another artist’s career, acknowledging the immense responsibility involved:
“That’s why I said I could [sign another artist] but I don’t know if I have that passion, if I have that drive to see someone through, if I have the constant energy. Because it takes a lot.”
Simi’s remarks have sparked conversations about the responsibilities of label owners and the need for genuine mentorship in the Nigerian music industry.