Simi packs a pleasant surprise in Smile For Me [WATCH VIDEO]

Okay, soooo…confession. I have never really rated Simi as a solo artiste. Not sure why, I just always felt her voice was light, airy, and built for duets. All of her duets with my baby boo Falz are fabulous; Soldier is my song of songs, I just felt that on her own, the song might lack oomph. I was in no hurry to listen to her latest song: Simi – Smile For Me, but boy, I’m glad I did!

She picked a delectable pitch to sing it in. As soon as I heard the opening lyrics, I knew what I’d been scared of and I was glad she steered clear of it – that high-pitched, baby-girl, fairy princess tone. This was not sung by a damsel in distress; this was sung by a grown woman in love.

The percussion arrangement was the first thing to make me sit up and pay attention. The bells and the drums gave the song a traditional feeling while maintaining a polished finished. So yum.

The video is stunning in its vintage clarity – no surprises there as Clarence shot it, but of course, the subtle hints at traditionalism were my favourite part. Did you see her groom’s abeti aja (Yoruba cap)? The vintage aso oke and he curved shoes? Awesome sauce!

And the lyrics? Sublime!

Smile for me even if you sad oo
Be good to me even if you bad ooo
Stay with me even if you’ve got some place to be
Pray with me even if you no believe
Smile for me baby mi please smile ahh…

I-I-I want to be the one wey you fit die for
I-I-I want to be the one that makes you do the things you thought you’d never do
Lemme be the one for you
I-I-I want to be your weakness baby

Lie to me if the truth will break my heart ooo
Sing for me even though your voice dey crack ooo
Dance with me even if you’re dancing off the beat
Take a chance on me don’t you believe I’m worth the risk?
Smile for me baby mi, please smile.

I love everything about this song, and Simi sang the heck out of it. She should be proud.

Simi – Smile For Me: what do you think? Yea or nay?