Nigerian singer and songwriter Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has opened up on the health and personal challenges that delayed the release of her song “Where You Dey” featuring Chike.

In a personal statement on her X page on Friday, Simi disclosed that she had hoped to release the track last year after sharing a snippet that generated widespread excitement.

However, she explained that the period was marked by severe physical challenges.

“I was sick and weak and nauseous and tired, and my body just wouldn’t do what I wanted it to,” she said, noting that even during the snippet video shoot, she was unwell but pushed herself to deliver her best.

Simi also spoke highly of Chike, describing her long-standing admiration for his voice and professionalism.

According to her, she knew he was the perfect collaborator for the song.

Although Chike was initially out of town, she said he came to her studio immediately after returning, unaware that she was pregnant and struggling physically at the time.

Reflecting on the studio sessions, Simi admitted she is still surprised by the energy she displayed in the recorded video, given her condition.

She further revealed that she handled the mixing and mastering of the song herself, despite her dislike for mastering, due to the circumstances surrounding the project.

“I hate mastering, so I don’t know what I was thinking.”

The singer expressed disappointment at missing the intended release deadline, especially since fans had already fallen in love with the song and were eager for its official release.

She explained that her health left her without the strength to promote the record properly or even remember parts of the content creation process.

Addressing long-standing public speculation about her career, Simi added pointedly that the song’s release also serves as a response to critics who claim she gave up her career for marriage.