Nigerian singer and songwriter, Simisola Kosoko, widely known as Simi, has expressed her concerns over a growing trend in the music industry of established artists launching record labels simply to sign up-and-coming talents as a form of personal achievement.
In a recent interview with media personality VJ Adams, the mother of one shared her views on what she believes is a troubling practice. She stated that while she is open to mentoring rising stars, signing an artist should be done with clear intention, deep passion, and a long-term commitment, not as a side project or a vanity milestone.
Not just a milestone
She pointed out that many successful musicians now see signing new artists as a badge of honour rather than a business responsibility.
“I can sign an artist,” she said. “But I think it’s not fair when an artist signs another artist just to tick a box. For them, it might just be something they do for the sake of it, not necessarily to build something meaningful.”
She stressed that such actions, though common, could be harmful to young artists who put their dreams and trust into someone they look up to. According to Simi, those dreams deserve more than just part-time attention.
The business side of music
The singer believes that the work of running a record label is best left to people who have a strong passion for the business side of music.
“The only people who should sign artists are those who really care about the music business,” she explained. “Because whether or not the artist is doing well at the moment, they will still believe in them.”
She emphasised that signing a new act comes with long-term responsibilities. A true label head must be ready to stick around even when things get tough. “Whether or not the song you thought would blow doesn’t blow, are you willing to keep going?” she asked.
A life, not just a project
The “Duduke” hitmaker went on to highlight how deeply personal the artist-label relationship can be.
“This is someone’s life,” she said. “This is someone’s dream. That’s how I felt when I was getting signed. I used to think about how this person see me? Am I just a project to them? Or do they really care about my future the same way I do?”
Simi, the “Joromi” crooner who has built a solid reputation in the Nigerian music scene, knows firsthand how much trust young talents place in those they sign with. She said that artists deserve more than temporary excitement or half-hearted efforts.
A demanding role
When asked if she would ever sign another artist under her label, Simi admitted she’s not entirely sure.
“Yes, I could do it,” she said, “but I don’t know if I have the kind of drive it takes to see someone else through. I don’t know if I have the constant energy. Because it takes a lot.”
She acknowledged that while the idea of helping another artist grow sounds appealing, the work involved is heavy. It’s not just about releasing songs or attending shows. It’s about constant support, financial investment, emotional backing, and long-term planning.
Final thoughts
In an industry where quick success often overshadows long-term vision, Simi’s words serve as a reminder that the role of a label boss is not for everyone.
She calls on her peers to think twice before starting record labels or signing artists for the wrong reasons. True mentorship, she insists, goes far beyond recognition or clout; it’s about guiding a real human being toward their dreams.
For Simi, unless that kind of dedication is present, it’s better to mentor from afar than to promise more than you can give.
Read Also: Simi promotes the Women’s Financial Independence Movement
