In 2008, Simi was introduced into the Nigerian music landscape as a profound gospel songstress at the time when she offered her debut studio album titled — “Ogaju.” 6-years later, she signed a recording contract with X3M music releasing her eponymous sophomore studio album “Simisola” around 2017, the year before she had released her acclaimed joint tape with the popular Nigerian rapper Falz in 2016 titled — “Chemistry.”
Prior to her exit from X3M music in 2019, Simi had become a mainstream act releasing her third studio album “Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1.” Before the release of her current album, her last project was EP ‘Restless II’ a sequel to her debut EP ‘Restless’.
While Simi understands her demographic, knowing exactly what they want, and releases music to her fans frequently, never one to keep them starving, with each project she unveils a new side, sound, and experience. For “Ogaju,” it was her on the narrow path as a zeitgeist, her sophomore self-titled project “Simisola” tracks her venturing into sounds and telling her story freely. Meanwhile, “Omo Charlie Champagne,” remarks on her diversity, fluidity, and eloquence. For “To Be Honest,” she has become more transparent opening herself a bit for fans to come to take a quick look into her privacy hoping they understand her much better, as she carefully leads them.
“To Be Honest” is an interesting 11-track project not deferring Simi’s original musical tone which includes her alluring and soothing vocal texture, the use of dreamy melodies, and an entire nostalgic sound experience and feels. She had exciting inputs from Fave on the string lead and minimal saxophone infused “Loyal.” Adekunle Gold helmed the affairs of “Balance” offered with percussions and enticing kicks that talk about life proposing the view itself that life isn’t balanced. While “Loyal” is as exciting and is an outstanding R&B and pop-infused drop on the project shedding light about a love that should depend on loyalty.
Simi expressed the contagious “Easy” naturally and loudly, on track seven with all honesty and charisma that was quietly stroked alongside the elegance of a refined sax instrument. The track finally ended with inputs of a baby’s giggling that said easy, it was from her 2-year-old daughter Adejare Kosoko also known as Deja. “No Joy,” is also outstanding as much as the excellent opener — “Story Story,” where she channeled her vulnerability and persona alongside “Born Again.” “Temper” is apt and worthy to linger around the club environs, it is a pretty head nod and beautiful enough to keep the crowd popping, it is a party starter. “Logba Logba” is dreamy and groovy same as the ethereal and piano-inflected “Naked Wire” which became a conduit she talked about love.
Meanwhile, the dreamy and pop-infused “Nobody,” takes the right spot, it is a bit groovy and also deserves to be a party starter. “Love For Me,” is a good ending that doesn’t slip as Simi reveres her maker and was grateful for everything he has done for her. In conclusion, ‘To Be Honest’ is about how far Simi has gone and is an array of songs that speak about where she is now in her life. She talks about loyalty, love, becoming introspective, and also talks gratitude, and more. It is the most she has experienced, to be honest.
