Simi, the talented Nigerian singer-songwriter, has recently opened up about her decision to transition from gospel music to secular music. During a candid interview on MTV Base Africa’s programme, Official Naija Top 10, Simi revealed that her shift was driven by the challenges she encountered within the gospel music industry.
In her early days as a gospel artist, Simi frequently performed at various churches, and while she poured her heart and soul into her performances, the financial rewards were far from substantial. She mentioned that her typical performance fees ranged from a mere N5,000 to N10,000, which paled in comparison to what artists in other genres could earn for their shows. Despite her dedication and talent, the highest amount she ever received for a gospel music performance was N70,000. At the time, this amount seemed like a significant achievement for her, and she even made sure to tithe 10 per cent of her earnings, as a way of giving back.
However, Simi found it increasingly challenging to sustain her gospel music career. The limited earnings from her performances were not sufficient to cover essential expenses like studio sessions, music production, and promotional activities, which are crucial for artists seeking to make a significant impact in the music industry.
The singer chose to pivot to secular music and her decision to explore secular music might have been met with mixed reactions from her fans, family, and the community.
However, her passion for music and her determination to succeed ultimately prevailed. Simi took a leap of faith, believing that her talent would shine through, regardless of the genre she chose. And indeed, her decision to embrace secular music has proven to be a turning point in her career.