Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has expressed concerns about the growing trend of established artists launching record labels to sign rising talents, describing it as potentially unfair when done merely as a career milestone.
In a recent interview with VJ Adams, Simi emphasized that the record label business should be reserved for professionals who are genuinely passionate about music business development rather than artists seeking to tick boxes in their career progression.
"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 stated.
Commitment to Artist Development
The "Duduke" hitmaker further elaborated on the level of dedication required to successfully manage another artist's career, questioning whether established artists have the necessary drive and persistence.
"I think the only people that should sign artists are people who really have passion for music business," Simi explained. "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?"
She reflected on her own experience as a signed artist, highlighting the importance of genuine investment in an artist's development: "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 she could potentially sign another artist, Simi expressed uncertainty about whether she possesses the necessary passion and constant energy required to guide someone through their career journey. "Because it takes a lot," she concluded.
Simi's comments come at a time when numerous Nigerian artists have ventured into establishing record labels, with varying degrees of success in nurturing new talents.
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