Simi Appeals: “My Daughter’s Name Isn’t Duduke!”

Lagos, Nigeria – Popular Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, widely known as Simi, has made a public appeal to her fans, urging them to stop referring to her daughter, Adejare, by the nickname “Duduke.” The moniker, a direct association with Simi’s immensely popular 2020 hit single of the same name, has become a common way many fans address the singer’s child.

Simi, who released “Duduke” as an emotional ode to her then-unborn daughter with fellow musician Adekunle Gold, saw the track quickly resonate with expectant mothers and become an anthem across the nation. This widespread affection for the song inadvertently led many to affectionately nickname her daughter after the track.

However, in a recent candid conversation with media personality VJ Adams, Simi clarified her stance, expressing her discomfort with the persistent nickname. “People call my daughter Duduke, which I don’t like,” she stated. “That’s not her name. It doesn’t even mean anything.”

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The award-winning singer explained that “Duduke” was simply a rhythmic expression used in the song to describe the sound of her unborn child’s heartbeat. “Had it meant something good, I would have allowed it. But it’s just a beat, duduke, duduke. That was what I meant. My heart beats like a drum,” she elaborated.

Simi emphasized that while the song holds deep sentimental value for her and her family, it should not supersede or redefine her daughter’s given name, Adejare. She acknowledged that the nickname stems from a place of love and admiration from her fanbase. “Stop calling my child Duduke [laughs]. But you know what? I get it, it’s coming from a good place, so I try not to react,” she added, highlighting her understanding of her fans’ good intentions despite her preference.

The artist’s appeal underscores a common challenge faced by public figures when their creative works become deeply intertwined with their personal lives. While “Duduke” remains a beloved song in her discography, Simi is keen on ensuring her daughter’s identity is maintained distinctly from her musical creations.