By Africalivenews Staff
Nigerian singer and songwriter Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has made a heartfelt appeal to fans and the general public, asking them to stop referring to her daughter, Adejare, as “Duduke”—a nickname born out of the title of her hit 2020 single.
In a candid conversation with media personality VJ Adams, the talented artist addressed a topic that has followed her family since she and her husband, fellow music star Adekunle Gold, welcomed their daughter into the world. According to Simi, while she understands that the nickname is often used affectionately, she is not comfortable with it and prefers people use her daughter’s real name, Adejare.
A Name That Matters
Simi became a mother in June 2020, and her pregnancy journey was publicly celebrated with the release of “Duduke”—a song that quickly became an anthem of love, motherhood, and anticipation. The single resonated with millions, topping charts and becoming one of the most defining songs of that year in Nigeria.
Since the song’s release and the birth of their daughter, fans have fondly referred to the child as “Duduke,” connecting her identity with the deeply emotional and melodic tune her mother composed while pregnant.
But in the recent interview, Simi clarified the true meaning behind the song and why she is urging fans to let go of the nickname.
“People call my daughter Duduke, which I don’t like,” she stated. “That’s not her name. It doesn’t even mean anything.”
She went on to explain that “Duduke” was never intended as a name or even a word with meaning.
“Had it meant something good, I would have allowed it,” Simi added. “But it’s just a beat—duduke, duduke. That was what I meant. My heart beats like a drum.”
The Power of the Song “Duduke”
Released in April 2020, “Duduke” quickly captivated audiences across Africa and beyond. The song’s lyrics expressed the love and emotional bond Simi felt for her unborn child, using “duduke” as an onomatopoeic representation of her heartbeat.
In her words, the sound symbolized the excitement, nervousness, and joy of impending motherhood. With its relatable message and touching video featuring her baby bump, the track garnered millions of views on YouTube and became a cultural phenomenon, especially among expectant mothers.
However, the unintended side effect of the song’s popularity was the public’s attachment to “Duduke” as a substitute for her daughter’s real name, a trend that has endured over the years.
“I Get It… But It’s Time to Stop”
While Simi emphasized that she doesn’t harbor resentment toward those who use the nickname, she believes it’s time for people to respect her daughter’s identity.
“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 said during the interview.
Her calm and thoughtful response underscores the delicate balance celebrities often have to strike between public affection and personal boundaries. By speaking out, Simi is not only setting limits but also encouraging fans to respect the individuality of her daughter.
Adejare: A Name of Value
Simi and Adekunle Gold revealed their daughter’s full name as Adejare Kosoko shortly after her birth. The name “Adejare” is of Yoruba origin and means “the crown has overcome or triumphed.” It is a powerful, traditional name that carries deep cultural and spiritual significance.
In previous interviews, the couple has spoken fondly of their journey into parenthood and their desire to shield their daughter from the pressures of fame. Both artists, though highly public figures, have kept their daughter’s face and personal life mostly private, opting to share only glimpses of their experiences as parents.
Simi’s latest remarks about the “Duduke” nickname align with that protective instinct—ensuring that Adejare grows up with her identity intact, unblurred by fan interpretations or media narratives.
Celebrity Reactions and Public Support
Following Simi’s remarks, fans and celebrities alike have begun to weigh in, with many supporting the singer’s request.
Actress and media personality Nancy Isime posted on Instagram, “We love you Simi, and we respect your wishes. Adejare is such a beautiful name.”
On X (formerly Twitter), user @AfrobeatsMama wrote,
“Let’s normalize respecting celebrities’ parenting choices. Simi gave us Duduke as a song, not a child’s name.”
Others applauded her for calmly addressing a sensitive topic that could easily be misunderstood in the age of viral commentary.
Parenting in the Public Eye
Simi and Adekunle Gold, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated music couples, have continuously emphasized the importance of protecting their child’s privacy while maintaining their authenticity as artists.
The singer’s latest statement adds to an ongoing dialogue about how public figures navigate parenthood in the age of social media, where even the most well-intentioned fan behavior can sometimes cross personal boundaries.
In a world where fame often comes with unsolicited familiarity, Simi’s message is a gentle but firm reminder that names carry meaning, and personal identities—especially those of children—deserve to be honored.
