Nigerian singer and songwriter, Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has revealed that health challenges and pregnancy delayed the release of her song Where You Dey featuring fellow artiste, Chike.

Simi disclosed in a statement shared on her X (formerly Twitter) page on Friday, explaining that although she had planned to release the track last year, circumstances beyond her control prevented her from doing so.

According to the singer, she had shared a snippet of the song which generated excitement among fans, but was unable to complete and promote the project as scheduled due to illness, exhaustion and physical weakness at the time.

“I really, really, really wanted to drop this song last year. When I first put out the snippet, I was so excited, but it was hard to finish it on time because everything was a blur,” she said.

Simi revealed that she was dealing with nausea, fatigue, and overall physical strain, noting that her condition affected both the creative and promotional process of the song.

“I was sick and weak and nauseous and tired and my body just wouldn’t do what I wanted it to. Even in the snippet video, I wasn’t feeling great. I was just trying my best,” she added.

The singer also spoke highly of her collaboration with Chike, describing him as the perfect fit for the song and commending his professionalism and commitment.

“I adore Chike’s voice, and I knew it was him who had to be on the song with me. When I asked him to give me a verse, he was so ready to go, but he was out of town. As soon as he came back, he came over to my studio the next day,” she said.

Simi disclosed that Chike was unaware she was pregnant and struggling physically at the time of recording, adding that she has great respect for his dedication.

Reflecting on the studio session, the singer said she was surprised by the energy she displayed in the recording video, given how unwell she felt at the time.

She further revealed that she mixed and mastered the song that she was working on despite disliking the mastering process.

“When the song was done, I struggled to mix it. Even so, I decided to master it myself. I hate mastering, so I don’t know what I'm thinking,” she said.

Simi admitted that missing the planned release date was disappointing, especially after fans had connected deeply with the song and repeatedly asked for its official release.

“I didn’t have the energy to make content. I don’t even remember them recording this video. Given how much I love this song, I’m a little bummed I couldn’t give it the energy it deserves,” she said, while urging fans to embrace the song with the passion she could not give at the time.

She added that the release of Where You Dey also addresses long-standing public speculation that she abandoned her music career after getting married.

“PS: This is a chance for those of you who say I gave up my career for marriage to fight(?) for my uhm…rights? That or stfu,” she wrote.