- Simi’s unmatched songwriting prowess glares in ‘Lost and Found’
- The album, though dominated by the theme of love, captured her artistic evolution
- The 14-track album features the legendary Ebenezer Obey, Falz, Bella Shmurda, Asa, Lojay, Ladipoe and Tiwa Savage
‘Lost and Found’ album released on July 15, by Nigerian RnB singer, Simisola Kosoko, professionally called Simi, showcased her remarkable vocals and songwriting prowess.
Usually a blend of rhymes, metaphors and poetic expressions, Simi always pens relatable and memorable lyrics. In her 14-track album, the 36-year old, who is signed to her own label, Studio Brat, didn't fall short.
The album, which is her sixth, offers a smooth ride through her spectrum of mostly romance themed songs. She mesmerized listeners with a blend of Afropop, RnB and soul genres. Also, she solidified her dexterity to match the energy of other artistes and seamlessly collaborate with them.
Album cover of Lost and Found
Compared to her fifth studio album To Be Honest, which had only two collaborations, Lost and Found is her most collaborative music project. It enlists seven artistes, including Lojay, Tiwa Savage, Ebenezer Obey, Asa, Ladipoe and Bella Shmurda.
Simi gained recognition in the music space after the release of ‘Tiff’, a song that got her a nomination at The Headies in 2015. If there are two things that stand out through her career as an artiste, it is her unique voice and captivating lyrics. Lost and Found has yet again proven that.
Reviewing Simi’s ‘Lost and Found’ album
Simi’s first track, ‘Lost and Found, ' which shares the same name as the Album’s title, offers a solemn and reminiscing beat that emotionally tugs at the heartstrings. For one, it takes listeners' hands and gently guides them down the path of gratitude, love, grace, and self-discovery. The lyrics are relatable and, most of all, make you think deeply about falling off grace and being found, regardless.
Groovy, bouncy, melodious. What else describes when two exceptional vocalists meet? Miracle Worker is that track that sinks and gnaws at the edges of your soul. Here, Simi didn't disappoint with her use of metaphors, similes, rhymes and poetic expressions to tell a captivating story. It is the best contestable collaboration, all things being equal.
She links up with Ladipoe on Know You II to give more about where their first hit song Know You came from. While it offers a fresh approach, it doesn't come close to replacing the former. From the days of Soldier, Jamb Question and more, the chemistry between Falz and Simi was worthy of reviving. They take listeners down that nostalgic era as the duo jumps on Borrow me your baby.
Starting out with her debut Ogaju in 2008, Simi was a gospel artiste. Her evolution from there has seen her transition into a sexy and confident mother as opposed to the reserved or ‘good girl’ tag her fans were used to. This transition was glaring in Gimme Something where she used sexual innuendos to describe what she felt for her lover. “That touch Wey dey tickle me.” she says. The uptempo sound creates a romantic atmosphere.
Featuring Bella Shmurda on ‘Alafia’ sees Simi as a ‘finished woman’ who is in love. She seeks reassurance from her lover and the rhyme scheme for their verses is insanely good - evoking the right emotion. Similarly, RnB Luv, One of One, and Romance Therapy also struck Simi as a lover girl. The songs reassure love and commitment between lovers. It established that the singer is hinged in the Rhythm and blues, soul and hip pop music genres and she does it so effortlessly.
The 33-year-old has never been one to shy away from appreciating women and what they stand for. Woman to Woman is an anthem celebrating femininity and the beauty of women. The uptempo is cool and inspirational.
Though released before her album, Simi’s collaboration with Tiwa Savage on Men are crazy was beautiful especially in the industry where female collaboration isn’t so pronounced. However, the appearance of Asa didn't do much compared to the expectations. The message about trying to save someone but you can’t save them because you haven't saved yourself in Messiah is quite powerful. The delivery, honestly, could have been better to bring out the best in them.
The album draws the curtain with Jowo featuring Ebenezer Obey. The track samples the legend’s original song Olomi Gbo Temi. It pays homage to the Nigerian music legend and also bridges the generational gap between Simi and Obey. In a surprising turn, Simi, rather than just doing a cover of the song, decided to feature the music legend himself.
Overall, Lost but Found is a beautiful project that takes you on a passionate journey of love, self-discovery, and gratitude. It highlighted Simi’s golden voice, her ability to deliver collaborations, and her unmatched songwriting skills. Listeners, if attentive, may notice the monotonousness in the themes. However, it is silent enough not to interfere with the album's uniqueness.
Album Review: “HEIS” is Rema’s monotonous outburst for recognition
Earlier, TheRadar reviewed Rema's album, which was released on July 11. It solidified an evolution in the 24-year-old's artistic journey, but it signaled a monotonous outburst to seek recognition.
Considering the title of the album and its meaning, Rema, born Divine Ikubor, made a rather bold declaration of himself as “number one” in the music game - which is quite controversial.
