- Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko has expressed her views on established artists launching record labels to sign rising stars.
- Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko has expressed her views on established artists launching record labels to sign rising stars.
Nigerian singer and songwriter Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has voiced her concerns over the growing trend of established musicians launching record labels and signing younger artists merely for status.
In a recent interview with VJ Adams, the “Duduke” crooner emphasized that while mentorship is important, running a record label should not be treated as a personal milestone or vanity project.
According to her, many artists venture into signing others without the proper structures in place, ultimately hurting the careers of the up-and-coming talents they claim to support.
She said, “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.
“I think the only people that should sign artists are people who really have passion for music business.“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?
“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?’
“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.”
Her comments have sparked conversation online, with many agreeing that the record label business requires more than just fame, it needs strategy, structure, and genuine investment in artists’ futures.
