Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela, better known by her stage name Simmy, is a South African singer-songwriter.[3]
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).
Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela was born in South Africa, as the youngest of four children.[4] 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.[4]
In 2013, while she was attending at University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nhlangulela met Sandile Sithole who introduced her to Sun-El Musician.[5] After she completed her degree in Social Science, Simmy relocated to Johannesburg in 2015 to pursue her musical career.
Music career
I discovered my voice back in primary school, but didn't take it seriously because I didn't think people would be in love with Simmy's voice. But as time went on, I realised I could do it professionally.[6]
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.[8][9] In February 22, her single "Ubala" was released featuring Sun-El Musician.[10] 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.[11][12] Her single "Umahlalela" was certified platinum plaque.[12] 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.[13]
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.[14][15][16]
In October 2020, Simmy headlined to Rose Fest.[17]
On November 9, 2020, her second studio album Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars) was released, which debuted number 3 on Apple Music Charts.[18][19] 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.[20]
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.[21] The first show was held at Johannesburg on 12 May, and last one in Durban on 21 May.[21]
In December 2023, Simmy announced the working on her upcoming third studio album.[22]
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.[23]
Personal life
Simmy is known to keeping her personal life private.[24]
