About the Album
“TBH (To Be Honest)” is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Simi, released on June 3, 2022 through her independent label, Studio Brat. The 11-track project gives listeners a more personal look into Simi’s experiences, thoughts and relationships, particularly the changes that shaped her life in the years leading up to the album.
Rather than presenting a collection built entirely around commercial singles, TBH feels closer to a personal record of different experiences. Simi discusses her journey in music, love, family, self-worth and spirituality while allowing her songwriting and vocals to remain at the centre.
The Sound
The album moves through Afropop, Afrobeats, soul, highlife and contemporary R&B influences, with Simi’s soft but expressive vocals providing a consistent thread throughout the project. The production often favours warm instrumentation and mid-tempo arrangements, giving her voice and songwriting enough space to carry each song.
The album opens with “Story Story,” a reflective account of Simi’s journey and the experiences that shaped her career. “Born Again” introduces a brighter, more rhythmic sound, while “Naked Wire” explores romantic vulnerability through a smooth Afropop arrangement.
The collaborations are deliberately limited. Fave appears on “Loyal,” while Adekunle Gold joins Simi on “Balance.” Their appearances add different vocal textures without taking attention away from the personal nature of the album.
What the Album Is About
One of the strongest ideas running through “TBH” is personal growth. Simi looks back at her journey from an aspiring musician to an established artist while acknowledging the experiences that changed her perspective along the way.
“Story Story” focuses on the path behind her success, while “Loyal” considers trust and the importance of genuine relationships. “Naked Wire” and “Logba Logba” explore romantic intimacy, while “Nobody” addresses self-worth and the refusal to accept less than what she deserves.
Family and motherhood also form part of the album’s personal context. The project arrived after a significant period of change in Simi’s life, and its writing reflects a more mature perspective on relationships, responsibility and identity. Her official website describes the album as an unfiltered expression of this stage of her life.
Faith provides the album with its closing perspective. “Love For Me,” the final track, turns toward gratitude and appreciation for God’s goodness, giving the project a spiritual ending after songs that explore relationships, ambition and personal challenges.
With its intimate songwriting, gentle production and emotionally open performances, TBH (To Be Honest) presents Simi in a reflective phase of her career, allowing listeners to connect with the person behind the public image.
Listen on Hitzeer
Listen to Simi’s TBH (To Be Honest) on Hitzeer and explore all 11 tracks, including “Story Story,” “Born Again,” “Naked Wire,” “Loyal,” “Balance,” “Temper,” “Nobody” and “Love For Me.” Discover more Afrobeats, Afropop, soul and contemporary Nigerian music on Hitzeer.
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