Nigeria’s Simi lands Platoon deal

Platoon was acquired by Apple Music in 2016 with the goal of assisting independent artists to distribute their music. Other notable acts who have partnered with Platoon are Mr Eazi, Wurld and British singers Jorja Smith and Sam Smith. Simi’s announcement comes two months after DJ Cuppy joined the establishment.

“Platoon definitely stood out for me because of the energy,” Simi said. “When you’re doing art, it is always important for everyone to be on the same wavelength. It was like a no-brainer for me. We knew we wanted to work with you and collaborate with you.”

Welcoming Simi to the team, Platoon Records CEO Denzyl Feigelson said: “We’re are really looking forward to seeing your music spread out to the entire globe, which it should.”

Asked what she hopes to achieve with the new partnership, Simi said: “I’m hoping that we have a successful and rewarding relationship as we go forward.”

“I’ve always considered myself as a brave person, but this has made me braver as an artist,” she added. “Since I’ve gone on this path, it’s helped me to allow myself to enjoy the art more as opposed to overcalculating your next move … I’m just going with the flow. This is how I’m feeling right now, so this is what I’m going to do.”

Simi, who is behind the recent hit ‘Duduke’, is expected to release her new EP Restless II on the platform, although details pertaining to that have yet to be made public. When it arrives, it will be her latest body of work after Ogaju (2008), Simisola (2017), Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 (2019) and 2016’s Chemistry, a joint EP with rapper Falz.

An accomplished singer-songwriter, Simi was born Simisola Kosoko and lists Lauryn Hill, Asa and Adele among her influences while growing up. She is best known for songs like 2014’s ‘Tiff’ and 2017’s ‘Joromi’. She launched her record label Studio Brat in June 2019 and over her career has collaborated with the likes of Johnny Drille, Cobhams Asuquo, Ladipoe and her husband Adekunle Gold.