S1mba: “I’m just enjoying Nigeria and the vibe is amazing,” S1mba excitedly says on a dazzling Tuesday afternoon in Lekki, Lagos. The resplendence of houses sitting pretty and dripping with class is complemented with a calm and refreshing air, perhaps the benefit of living around the popular Elegushi beach. On this bright day, we set out for a chin-wag with Zimbabwean-born British singer Leonard Simbarashe Rwodz (S1mba), one of the rising voices reshaping both African and global music.
S1mba’s music, laced with summery, hook-filled pop-rap tunes inspired by Afroswing and Trap is contributing to the inventiveness of African music. The singer, songwriter, and rapper rose to the limelight with his single “Rover” featuring DTG. Thanks to “video-sharing platform TikTok, the song peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, earning him his first Brit Award nomination for “Song Of The Year.” S1mba has had stints with DTG, KSI, Tion Wayne, Stay Flee Get Lizzy, ZieZie, Swarmz, and Stylo G to mention a few.
While we sat in the duplex apartment, we are struck by unmissable artworks that speak volumes about the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and perhaps Zimbabwe. An unusually captivating one is that depicting life in a typical rural area. The striking contrast of a rural side in Lekki must have been the first attraction. This feels relaxing. Even more relaxing is the sound of “Baby Riddim” by Fave which played for some minutes. Then comes the switch.
There is a vivid balance to S1mba’s movement as he saunters down the stairs and confidently strides around the space. He sits towards the left, in a dimly-lit space on a black cushion matching his shirt. S1mba is looking rested and composed, with amazing vibes and energy to go around despite having performed at the 2022 Homecoming Festival two days before. His overall appearance says happy, thankful, and open – which is how our conversation took shape.
“Are you ready?” The host, Olanrewaju Uthman asks while S1mba immediately adapts to star mode, exuding confidence, typical of Africans. In this edition of our weekly chit-chat, S1mba confirms himself as one of the most compelling African artistes presently.
How are you doing today?
I’m good. I am just enjoying Nigeria. The vibe is amazing honestly. I just hit the stage last night and the love that I got from Nigeria was just amazing so, it’s just nice to be back in Naija.
Let’s talk about the reception you got from fans. How has it been like getting those kinds of accolades and love from your fans so far?
For me, it’s a lot because you don’t expect to come here and everybody shows you love the way that they do. So for me, this is real.
We know that you are born in Zimbabwe and later your family moved to the UK, being a Zimbabwe-born and staying that long in the UK, and coming back to Nigeria, how was the homecoming for you?
I’m feeling at home. The UK is cold. There are good vibes but there are a lot of weird vibes. You don’t feel at home.
So, should we give you a resident permit?
Yes, give me the passport because I’m going to be back a lot. When I’m in Africa, I just feel at home. I’ve been telling everybody, that Africa is the new Dubai and the rest of the world doesn’t know this yet. Africa is lit!
Let’s go further into your experience in Africa so far, Nigeria to be precise. Let’s talk about the food, what have you tried so far?
I’ve tried the food. The Jollof, suya beef, garri, but I feel a lot of the food I’ve eaten, I don’t even know the name.
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Early Days, Humble Beginnings
Moving from Harare to Swindon at a young age of 9 must be super adventurous for S1mba who had already gotten his stint with music through a superfluous experience with Djembe drums and Marimbas. Having played percussion as a child, he learned to play piano and joined his church band. Fast-forward to high school, S1mba was already singing and producing his songs. His first single, “The Plan” was produced in 2018, followed by high Key and 24/7 in 2019. The singer talks about his music with the host, Olanrewaju Uthman.
Let’s dive into your music, how did you start?
When I was in school, I learned how to play the marimba. So when I moved to England and my dad gave me a little piano. So, I started going to church with my mum every Sunday and playing the piano. I just got better and better to the point I was now producing my beats. Later, I was just trying to be an artist to see what happens. Everything was just fun for me. I just love music.
I know that you moved to the UK around 9, you fell in love with music and the journey has been good so far. Let us talk about your song Rover that popped on Tiktok, what’s the inspiration behind the song?
It was Rover so spontaneous. I made Rover in like 20 minutes. We just put it to the side and didn’t even know that it would be where it is today.
Would you say your presence on TikTok helped the song?
Definitely! The song did about five million before TikTok. For me I was like “five million already?” so yea, TikTok played a huge part.
So, getting a nomination for the Brits Awards, how was that when you got the information about your nomination?
I called my mum. Feels like my mum got a superpower. There were lots of awards in the UK and I never got nominated. So she said, “you’re going to get the big one”
Manchester United’s Breakfast Well-Served!
Music star S1mba chats about Football game and his team, Manchester United. The singer feels heartbroken about the two actual games he watched that his team lost. In the usual African spirit, S1mba believes the team will sail through the storm. Speaking explicitly about smashing his music goal, S1mba says he wants to be able to inspire a lot of Africans and wave the Zimbabwean flag proudly for Africans in the diaspora. For him, it’s about
rewriting the African narrative on a global landscape through his music. S1mba is inspired by and impressed with the music of emerging acts such as Rema, Bella Shmurda
Alexa, Play “Rover” By S1mba ft. DTG
Towards the end of this chat, we still wanted to discuss Rover, S1mba’s Tik-Tok sensation. While Rover is a vibe, it as well pictures the ambition of the singer who mentioned at the beginning of this chat that he is open to work and collaborate. Off the “Good Time, Long Time” album, the overall effect says jiggy, and that’s how our chat with the superstar can be described.
“I just wanna make the mu-la-la, yeah The mu-la-la
I just wanna make the mu-la-la”
For a super entertainer and hitmaker who is not close to retiring from music soon, there is no limit to what S1mba is out to achieve. We anticipate groundbreaking awards, events, and achievements from him soon.
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