Simi Criticizes Signing Artistes Just for Career Milestones

Renowned Nigerian music artist Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has openly criticized a growing trend in the entertainment industry where successful musicians create record labels merely to sign new talents as a status symbol.

In a candid conversation during her recent interview with VJ Adams, Simi revealed that although she’s open to mentoring emerging artists, she views it as unjust when well-known artists sign others purely to mark a career achievement.

“I can sign an artist,” she stated, “but I think 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.”

Simi emphasized that running a record label should be a task reserved for individuals with genuine interest and dedication to the music business. According to her, only those who are truly committed to the success of others should take on such responsibility.

“I think the only people that should sign artists are people who really have passion for music business,” she added. “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?”

Highlighting the emotional and career impact on young talents, Simi stressed the importance of long-term dedication and belief in an artist’s potential.

“Are you willing to last on it? Because that’s actually somebody’s life. That’s their dream. And 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?’”

While acknowledging that she might consider signing someone in the future, Simi admitted uncertainty about having the persistent passion and energy it takes to fully support another artist’s journey.

“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.”