Simi, Nigerian singer, songwriter, and sound engineer, has become an outstanding voice in the Nigerian music space. She’s known for her delicate vocals and heartfelt lyrics, and she has unwaveringly pushed the boundaries of Afrobeats and R&B since her breakthrough album “Simisola” in 2017. With each subsequent project, Simi has polished her sound and enlarged the scope of her artistry, consistently delivering soulful music. Her sixth studio album, “Lost and Found” once again sets her on the front line.
The captivating 14-track masterpiece takes its listeners through the spectrum of romance. Featuring a blend of Afropop and R&B, this album showcases Simi’s remarkable vocal prowess and songwriting skills and demonstrates her ability to collaborate seamlessly with other talented artists.
The album opens strongly with its title track, Lost and Found, which explores themes of gratitude, growth, and love. Infusing themes of loss and sadness, Simi manages to tell a passionate tale that details how the good things in life can only be properly appreciated when one knows what it feels like to live without them.
Simi’s collaborations are a highlight of the album. Miracle Worker featuring Lojay, brings a danceable Afropop beat to the mix. Know You II with Ladipoe, a sequel to their previous work on their hit song, Know You and Alafia with Bella Shmurda, also further spotlights Simi’s ability to create flawless art with other talents. The inclusion of Afrobeat giant Tiwa Savage on the track Men Are Crazy adds further star power.
On the topic of Afrobeats giants, one of the standout tracks on the album is Messiah which features Asa. This emotional piece explores the complexities of relationships and self-sacrifice, as the artists sing about pouring all that you can into saving someone who does not let themselves be saved. This track showcases Simi’s ability to tackle even deeper themes where it concerns the topic of love.
The album maintains a commendable quality throughout, with tracks like Gimme Something, All I Want, One of One, Romance Therapy and RnB Luv offering listeners various perspectives on themes of love and commitment.
Simi and Falz’s chemistry has been a well-known fact in the Nigerian music industry, and this album did not fail to prove it once again. Borrow Me Your Baby featuring Falz, makes it evident that their collaborative chemistry remains as strong as ever.
Simi has never been one to shy away from empowering messages, especially when it comes to uplifting women. The track, Woman to Woman in this vein, serves as an anthem that celebrates femininity and encourages confidence.
The album closes with Jowo featuring Ebenezer Obey and sampling his song, Olomi Gbo Temi. This track not only pays homage to a Nigerian music legend but also bridges generational gaps in Nigerian music.
While the album’s focus on love is its strength, some listeners might find the theme somewhat repetitive across most tracks. However, Simi’s vocal versatility and diverse features keep the listener interested.
Overall, “Lost and Found” is proof of Simi’s growth as an artist. It successfully blends Afropop and R&B influences, delivering a collection of relatable and emotionally captivating. The album exceeds already high expectations for the artist, offering something for every listener who loves romance and the scope of love. Simi’s ability to convey complex emotions through her music radiates, making “Lost and Found” a worthy addition to her discography and a must-listen for fans of contemporary African music.
Album Rating: 7/10
Listen to “Lost and Found” here.
