Nigerian music star Simisola Kosoko, known as Simi, has publicly addressed what she considers a long-running misconception about her daughter’s identity — and she’s not holding back. The singer, in a fresh chat with media personality VJ Adams, warned fans to stop referring to her daughter Adejare as “Duduke”, clarifying that the nickname was never intended to become her child’s identity.
Back in April 2020, Simi released “Duduke” — an emotional love song dedicated to her unborn child, which quickly became an anthem for expectant mothers across Nigeria. The track’s heartwarming lyrics and rhythm struck a chord with fans, and shortly after Simi gave birth to Adejare Kosoko in June 2020, many admirers casually began calling the baby “Duduke,” associating her with the chart-topping hit.
Speaking on the matter, Simi expressed mild irritation over the continued use of the name, explaining that while the intention might be pure, the word “Duduke” itself holds no real meaning. “People call my daughter Duduke, which I don’t like. That’s not her name,” she said. “It doesn’t even mean anything. Had it meant something good, I would have allowed it. But it’s just a beat — duduke, duduke — that was what I meant. My heart beats like a drum.”
The singer’s honesty added a humorous twist as she acknowledged the gesture likely comes from a loving place. “Stop calling my child Duduke [laughs],” she said, smiling during the interview. “But you know what? I get it — it’s coming from a good place, so I try not to react.”
Fans online have shared mixed reactions. While some support her decision to protect her daughter’s identity, others believe the name has become culturally iconic and is now synonymous with motherhood and joy, thanks to the emotional impact of the song.
Simi and her husband, fellow Afropop sensation Adekunle Gold, have remained fiercely protective of their daughter’s privacy since her birth. The couple rarely shares her photos or personal moments online, choosing instead to preserve her childhood away from public scrutiny.
Despite the nickname controversy, “Duduke” remains one of Simi’s most defining works, cementing her legacy as a voice of love and emotion. But for her, it was a song — not a name. And she’s finally made that crystal clear.
