Simmy Explained

Simmy
Birth Name:Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela
Birth Place:Tugela, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Instrument:Vocals
Years Active:2017–present
Label:EL World Music

Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela, better known by her stage name Simmy, is a South African singer-songwriter.[1]

She gained prominence in 2018, after signed a record deal with EL World Music and release her debut studio album Tugela Fairy (2018), spawned with hit singles "Ngiyesaba", "Ubala", "Umahlalela". The album was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

Her second studio album Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars) (2020), which debuted number 3 in one country.

Life and career

Early life and education

Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela was born in South Africa, as the youngest of four children.[2] In an interview with Emmanuel Tjiya Sowetan newspaper, Simmy revealed that she was raised by strict parents growing up. She is an alumna of University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she studied Social Sciences.

In 2013, while she was attending at University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nhlangulela met Sandile Sithole who introduced her to Sun-El Musician.[3] After she completed her degree in Social Science, Simmy relocated to Johannesburg in 2015 to pursue her musical career.

Music career

Simmy started her career by auditioning for Idols South Africa and SA's Got Talent but was unsuccessful.[4]

2017–2019: Tugela Fairy

Her professional music career started in 2017 by signing to EL World Music after completing her studies which was followed by the release of her debut studio album Tugela Fairy, which was featured in Apple Music artist Spotlight.[5] [6] In February 22, her single "Ubala" was released featuring Sun-El Musician.[7] The song was certified gold. The album was released on October 26, 2018, and was certified gold by the Recording industry of South Africa (RiSA) for South Africa 25 000 sales.[8] [9] Her single "Umahlalela" was certified platinum plaque.[9] At the 25th South African Music Awards, Tugela Fairy was nominated for Best Afro Pop Album.

At the 2019 South African Dance Music Awards, she won Best Female Vocalist award.[10]

2020–present: Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars)

Simmy announced work on her second studio album prior to the release of Tugela Fairy, with progress on the record continuing throughout 2020. In March 2020, she released a single "Ngihamba Nawe" fused with the classic Afro-House/neo-soul featuring vocals from Sino Msolo.[11] [12] [13] In October 2020, Simmy headlined to Rose Fest.[14]

On November 9, 2020, her second studio album Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars) was released, which debuted number 3 on Apple Music Charts.[15] [16] The album features Mthunzi, S-Tone, Da Capo, Sun-El Musician, Sino Msolo, Ami Faku, and Khuzani. Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars) received nomination for Best Afro Pop album at the 27th South African Music Awards.[17]

To promote her album Simmy launched Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars) Special Virtual Concert.

She was featured on Shay'na nge White Star campaign, which includes two dates, in May 2022.[18] The first show was held at Johannesburg on 12 May, and last one in Durban on 21 May.[18]

In December 2023, Simmy announced the working on her upcoming third studio album.[19]

Artistry

Growing up in Tugela, she mainly listened to Mbaqanga, country music and Maskandi. Simmy music is generally Afro-house and Neo-Soul but she also incorporates Maskandi and RnB to her other songs. She has cited a number of artists as her inspiration Dolly Parton, Soul Brothers, Letta Mbuli, and Brenda Fassie.[20]

Personal life

Simmy is known to keeping her personal life private.[21]

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

As lead artist

Title! scope="col"
YearCertificationsAlbum
"Umahlalela"2018
  • Platinum
Tugela Fairy
"Nawe"
"Ubala"
"Ngiyesaba"
"Ngihamba nawe"
2020Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars)
"Emakhaya"
  • Platinum
"Hlelo"
2022rowspan="6"
"How Deep Is Your Love"
"Better Together"
"Show Me Love"
2023
"Ezizweni"
2024
"Amazwe"

As featured artist

Title! scope="col"
YearAlbum
"Ziyon"
2020Circles of Life
"Mamezala"
2021Idwala
"Higher"
African Electronic Dance Music
"Before"
2023Isithembiso

Awards and nominations

!Year!Award ceremony!Prize!Result!
201925th SAMANewcomer of the Year[24]
Best Afro Pop Album[25]
Record of the Year [26]
South African Dance Music AwardsBest Female Vocalist
2020KZN Entertainment AwardsBest Female Artist[27]
202127th SAMABest Afro Pop Album[28]
Record of the Year
2022Basadi in Music AwardsArtist of the Year [29]
Sofn'Free Dance Artist of the Year
AFRIMABest Female Artiste in Southern Africa ("We Were Here") [30]
2023 Metro FM Awards Female Artist of the Year
Basadi in Music Awards Dance Artist of the Year ("Hlelo" featuring Msaki) [31] [32]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2018-09-04. Simmy. 2020-08-30. Music In Africa. en. October 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201022060521/https://www.musicinafrica.net/directory/simmy. live.
  2. Web site: Emmanuel. Tjiya. 14 December 2018. Songbird Simmy a fusion sensation. https://web.archive.org/web/20201001022901/https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2018-12-14-songbird-simmy-a-fusion-sensation/. October 1, 2020. 30 August 2020. Sowetanlive.co.za. live.
  3. Web site: Simmy On How She Met Sun-EL & Why She Fuses Music Genres - SA Music Magazine. SA Music Magazine. 2022-04-22.
  4. Web site: Mathebula. Kwanele. 2019-11-28. 5 minutes with musician Simmy. 2020-08-30. Bona Magazine. en-GB. October 24, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201024091237/https://www.bona.co.za/5-minutes-with-musician-simmy/. dead.
  5. Web site: Songbird Simmy a fusion sensation. Sowetanlive.co.za. November 27, 2021. June 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220618211315/https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/amp/entertainment/2018-12-14-songbird-simmy-a-fusion-sensation/. live.
  6. Web site: Top 10 Most streamed South African female artists on Apple Music . Yomzansi.com . 2021-11-19 . July 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210724001841/https://www.yomzansi.com/2019/08/05/most-streamed-south-african-female-artists-on-apple-music/ . live .
  7. Web site: DOWNLOAD mp3: Simmy - Ubala ft. Sun-EL Musician . Fakaza.com . 2018-02-22 . 2021-11-19 . August 21, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210821175326/https://fakaza.com/download-mp3/simmy-ubala-ft-sun-el-musician/ . live .
  8. Web site: Simmy's debut album goes gold!. 2021-08-23. Ansiswa. Ngenyane. Daily Sun. 2021-01-13. January 13, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220113185754/https://www.dailysun.co.za/Celebs/simmys-debut-album-goes-gold-20210822. live.
  9. Web site: Simmy Receives Plaque Celebrating Her Platinum And Gold Success On Kaya 959 Top 30 With DJ Keyez. Ubetoo.com. 21 August 2021. August 21, 2021. August 21, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210821174527/https://www.ubetoo.com/news/simmy-receives-plaque-celebrating-her-platinum-and-gold-success-on-kaya-959-top-30-with-dj-keyez/. live.
  10. Web site: Dance Music Awards South Africa 2019: All the winners Music In Africa. 4 October 2019. Musicinafrica.net. Ano. Shumba. September 16, 2021. September 16, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210916082454/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/dance-music-awards-south-africa-2019-all-winners. live.
  11. Web site: Listen to Simmy's New Single 'Ngihamba Nawe' - OkayAfrica. Okayafrica.com. March 27, 2020. Rufaro. Samanga. March 31, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200331015219/https://www.okayafrica.com/amp/listen-to-simmy-new-single-ngihamba-nawe-2645581579. live.
  12. Web site: Simmy Drops New Single 'Emakhaya' Ahead of Highly-Anticipated Sophomore Album . Okayafrica.com . 2020-10-16 . 2021-11-19 . October 17, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231017075434/https://www.okayafrica.com/amp/simmy-drops-new-single-emakhaya-ahead-of-album-2648226249 . live .
  13. Web site: Simmy Shines With Her New Single "Ngihamba Nawe" . Yuledark.co.za . 2020-03-27 . 2021-11-19 . September 15, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230915223339/https://yuledark.co.za/simmy-shines-with-her-new-single-ngihamba-nawe/ . live .
  14. Web site: Ami Faku, Boity, Busiswa & Simmy Headline Rose Fest 2020. Zalebs.com. 12 October 2020. October 11, 2021. August 8, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220808163748/https://zalebs.com/top-of-the/shekhinah/ami-faku-boity-busiswa-simmy-headline-rose-fest-2020. dead.
  15. Web site: Listen to Simmy's New Album 'Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars)' - OkayAfrica. OkayAfrica. November 9, 2020. Madzadza. Miya. July 14, 2021. July 14, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210714073305/https://www.okayafrica.com/amp/listen-to-simmy-album-tugela-fairy-made-of-stars-2648763106. live.
  16. Web site: Meet Mzansi's three most-streamed female artists on Apple Music [watch]]. The South African. 2022-04-02. 2021-08-03. Naledi. de Wee. April 2, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220402091051/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/most-streamed-female-artists-south-african-apple-music-elaine-simmy-shekhinah-watch/. live.
  17. News: Qhama. Dayile. Here's the full list of the SAMA winners Drum. 31 July 2021. News24.com. South Africa. October 30, 2021. October 26, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211026072316/https://www.news24.com/amp/drum/celebs/news/heres-the-full-list-of-the-sama-winners-20210731-3. live.
  18. Web site: SA: Shay'na nge White Star back for season three Music In Africa. Ano. Shumba. Music In Africa. 2022-05-17. 2022-05-16. May 17, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220517101339/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sa-shayna-nge-white-star-back-season-three. live.
  19. News: Simmy on going independent, new releases and more - 'I want to learn the music and the business'. SNL24. subscription. 11 December 2023. South Africa. en-ZA. 2024-06-16. Lethabo Malatsi. Phelokazi Mbude.
  20. Web site: Songbird Simmy a fusion sensation. Sowetanlive.co.za. 14 December 2018. Emmanuel. Tjiya. November 6, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201106180251/https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/amp/entertainment/2018-12-14-songbird-simmy-a-fusion-sensation/. live.
  21. Web site: 2020-07-29. Simmy Biography, Real Name, Age, Boyfriend, Music, Net Worth. 2020-08-30. Savanna News. en-US. September 15, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230915223337/https://savannanews.com/simmy-biography-real-name-age-boyfriend-music-net-worth/. live.
  22. Web site: Tugela Fairy album. 2018-11-20. iminathi. en-ZA. December 4, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201204103208/https://iminathi.net/simmy-tugela-fairy-album/. live.
  23. Web site: 2020-11-05. Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars) album. 2020-11-05. iminathi. en-ZA. February 12, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210212154421/https://iminathi.net/simmy-tugela-fairy-made-of-stars-album/. live.
  24. Web site: Let's hear it for the #SAMA25 winners. 2020-08-30. Iol.co.za. en. June 8, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190608050008/https://www.iol.co.za/sundayindependent/lets-hear-it-for-the-sama25-winners-24791596. live.
  25. Web site: All the 2019 SAMA winners. 3 June 2019. BIZCOMMUNITY. May 31, 2021. October 17, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231017075445/https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/480/191520.html. live.
  26. Web site: Mathebula. Kwanele. 2019-05-31. 2019 SAMA Record of the Year nominees. 2020-08-30. Bona Magazine. en-GB. September 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200922071405/https://www.bona.co.za/2019-sama-record-of-the-year-nominees/. dead.
  27. Web site: See all the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards. Fakaza News. Bukola. 17 December 2020. May 5, 2021. May 5, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210505212851/https://fakazanews.com/2020/12/17/see-all-the-winners-from-the-first-kzn-entertainment-awards/. live.
  28. Web site: South African Music Awards 2021: All the nominees. Ano. Shumba. 19 May 2021. Music In Africa. May 20, 2021. October 14, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231014074401/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/south-african-music-awards-2021-all-nominees. live.
  29. Web site: Basadi in Music Awards 2022: All the nominees. Music in Africa. 2022-07-06. Ano. Shumba. 2022-07-07. October 3, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221003165852/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/basadi-music-awards-2022-all-nominees. live.
  30. Web site: All Africa Music Awards 2022: All the nominees. 2022-09-16. Music in Africa. 2022-10-11. Gabriel Myers. Hansen. October 5, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221005161724/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/all-africa-music-awards-2022-all-nominees. live.
  31. Web site: Here are the 2023 nominees for the Basadi in Music Awards. Jade. Rhode. June 30, 2023. July 20, 2023. July 21, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230721140813/https://www.bona.co.za/entertainment/here-are-the-2023-nominees-for-the-basadi-in-music-awards/. live.
  32. Web site: Basadi in Music Awards returns for second year — Here are the nominees. TimesLIVE. July 20, 2023. July 28, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230728033641/https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2023-06-30-basadi-in-music-awards-returns-for-second-year--here-are-the-nominees/. live.