Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1

Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Simi.[1] It was released to coincide with her thirty-first birthday on April 19, 2019.[2] The 13-track album features guest artists such as Patoranking, Maleek Berry, Falz and Adekunle Gold. Its production was primarily handled by Oscar, with additional production from Vtek, Legendury Beatz and Sess.[3] Simi dedicated the album to her father Charles Oladele Ogunleye, who died in 2014.[4] Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 was preceded by three singles: "I Dun Care", "Lovin" and "Ayo".

Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1
Studio album by
Simi
ReleasedApril 19, 2019 (2019-04-19)
Recorded2018–19
Genre
Length38:00
LabelX3M Music
Producer
Simi chronology
Simisola
(2017)		 Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1
(2019)
Singles from Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1
  1. "I Dun Care"
    Released: August 10, 2018
  2. "Lovin"
    Released: November 2, 2018
  3. "Ayo"
    Released: January 24, 2019

Background

In March 2019, Simi disclosed she would be releasing her third studio album Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 to coincide with her birthday on April 19, 2019. She disclosed this information in a series of social media messages.[5] The album is a slight departure from the relatively afro-centric feel of Simisola, and is a mixture of sentimental ballad, Afropop, Afro-soul, R&B, EDM and moombahton.[4] Its title is a direct reference to her late father Charles Oladele Ogunleye. Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 tackles themes of loss, happiness, loyalty, fears, break-up and sex.[6]

Composition

The album opens with "Charlie", a soulful record that mourns Simi's father and pays tribute to him.[7][8] The Vtek-produced track "Jericho" is a romantic reggaeton tune. In the emotive duet "By You", Simi and Adekunle Gold exchange vows and commit to their love.[7] The Maleek Berry-assisted track "Immortal" has been described as an "expression of sensual sentiments" exemplified by lyrics like "Hold on tight for the ride of your life/ don’t let go now/ We can go all night".[8] The catchy track "Love on Me" features a call and response chorus.[8] "Move On" is an ode to heartbreak. "The Artist", a skit, highlights the struggles that artists endure in the industry.[7] In "Mind Your Bizness", Falz and Simi cautioned listeners against gossiping.[8] In the closing track "Hide and Seek", Simi wields her vulnerability with confidence and sex appeal.[8]

Singles and other releases

"I Dun Care" was released as the album's lead single on August 10, 2018.[9] It was produced by Oscar and recorded in Yoruba and English. The song focuses on themes of love and relationship. The accompanying music video for "I Dun Care" was shot and directed by Clarence Peters.[10]

The album's second single "Lovin" was released on November 2, 2018.[11] It was also produced by Oscar and contains a guitar riff by OC Omofuma.[12] In "Lovin", Simi sings about the beauty of her love interest and her desire to see him and be intimate with him.[13] Wale Owoade of Pan African Music praised the song's vibe and lyricism.[12] The visuals for "Lovin" was directed by Aje Filmworks and is consistent with its lyrics.[13]

The Jùjú-inspired track "Ayo" (Yoruba: Joy) was released on January 24, 2019, as the album's third single.[14] Produced by the production duo Legendury Beatz, it is inspired by the music of Ebenezer Obey.[15] TooXclusive's Tomiwa described the song as "a mid-tempo jam".[16] The music video for "Ayo" was shot and directed by Director K and depicts the daily life of Lagosians in inhospitable environments.[17]

On June 21, 2019, Simi released the music video for the Patoranking-assisted song "Jericho".[18] The accompaying music video for "Jericho" was directed by Adasa Cookey and mirros a 90s party.[19] On July 19, 2019, Simi released the music video for "By You".[20] It was shot in Los Angeles and features footage from Simi and Adekunle Gold's adventure across the city.[20] The bakery and landmark building Randy's Donuts is depicted in the video.[20]

Critical reception
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Pulse Nigeria9.1/10[6]
NotJustOk[21]
The Star[7]

Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 received positive reviews from music critics. Pulse Nigeria's Motolani Alake awarded the album 9.1 stars out of 10, calling it "excellent" and saying songs such as "Jericho", "Immortal", "Move On" and "Hide and Seek" showcase Simi as an "evolving artist that understands the need to evolve without necessarily betraying her brand".[6] A writer for NotJustOk gave the album 4.5 stars out of 5, acknowledging Simi for "experimenting with different sounds without changing the core element of her unique style".[21]

Debola Abimbolu of Native magazine said Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 "listens even closer to the promised-land destination Simi has been inching toward since her music career kicked off with Ogaju in 2008. Her clever lines and captivating vocals have captured the zeitgeist".[8] The Star's Davies Ndolo granted the record a 3/5 rating, acknowledging Simi's voice and saying she "manages to give her audience an experience" despite the album's air of familiarity.[7]

Track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Charlie"Simisola OgunleyeOscar2:03
2."Ayo"OgunleyeLegendury Beatz3:44
3."Jericho" (featuring Patoranking)
  • Ogunleye
  • Patrick Okorie
Vtek3:15
4."By You" (featuring Adekunle Gold)
  • Ogunleye
  • Adekunle Kosoko
Oscar3:38
5."Immmortal" (featuring Maleek Berry)
  • Ogunleye
  • Maleek Shoyebi
Sess3:17
6."Love on Me"OgunleyeVtek2:40
7."The Artist"Ogunleye—0:52
8."Move On"OgunleyeOscar3:28
9."Mind Your Business" (featuring Falz)
  • Ogunleye
  • Folarin Falana
Vtek3:15
10."Lovin"OgunleyeOscar3:36
11."Please"OgunleyeOscar2:17
12."I Dun Care"OgunleyeOscar3:39
13."Hide and Seek"OgunleyeOscar3:07
Total length:38:00
Notes
  • "—" denotes a skit

Personnel
  • Simisola Ogunleye – primary artist, writer
  • Patrick Okorie – featured artist, writer
  • Adekunle Kosoko – featured artist, writer
  • Maleek Shoyebi – featured artist, writer
  • Folarin Falana – featured artist, writer
  • Oscar – production (track 1, 4, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13)
  • Vtek – production (track 3, 6, 9)
  • Legendury Beatz – (track 2)
  • Sess – (track 5)
  • Fiokee – guitar (track 2)
  • OC Omofuma – guitar (track 4, 10)
  • Okwi – trumpet (track 1)
  • Alaba – percussion

Release history
Region Date Format Label Ref
Various April 19, 2019 CD, Digital download X3M Music [22]

References
  1. "Simi to release 3rd Album on 31st Birthday". The Nation. March 19, 2019. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  2. "Adekunle Gold pens romantic message to mark Simi's birthday". P.M News. April 19, 2019. Archived from the original on 19 April 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  3. Kam Tambini (April 19, 2019). "Listen to Simi's New Album 'Omo Charlie Champagne Vol.1'". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 19 April 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  4. Motolani Alake (April 19, 2019). "Simi releases 13-track third studio album, 'Omo Charlie Champagne Vol. I'". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 19 April 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  5. "Simi Announces Title, Date For New Album". Guardian Life. 23 March 2019. Archived from the original on 24 March 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  6. Motolani Alake (April 23, 2019). "ALBUM REVIEW: 'Omo Charlie Champagne' showcases an evolving yet familiar Simi". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 22 October 2019. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
  7. Davies Ndolo (27 April 2019). "Simi's 'Omo Charlie Champagne'". The Star. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
  8. Debola Abimbolu (April 29, 2019). "ESSENTIALS: SIMI'S 'OMO CHARLIE CHAMPAGNE VOL. 1'". Native Magazine. Archived from the original on May 4, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  9. "I Dun Care - Single by Simi". iTunes. August 10, 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  10. Daniel Orubo. "Watch Simi's Dreamy Video For Her First Single Of 2018, 'I Dun Care'". Konbini. Archived from the original on 19 April 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  11. "Lovin' - Single". iTunes. November 2, 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  12. Wale Owoade (23 November 2018). "Best of the Moment: 'Lovin' by Simi". Pan African Music. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  13. Adewojumi Aderemi. "Simi Proudly Shows Off Her Man In The Music Video For 'Lovin". Konbini. Archived from the original on 2019-04-20. Retrieved 2019-04-20.
  14. "Ayo - Single by Simi". iTunes. January 24, 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  15. "Watch Simi sing Ayo". Music in Africa. 5 March 2019. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  16. Tomiwa (January 23, 2019). "Simi – "Ayo"". TooXclusive. Archived from the original on 17 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  17. Damilola Animashaun. "Watch The Cheerful Video For Simi's First Single Of 2019, 'Ayo'". Konbini. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  18. Jennifer Okundia (June 21, 2019). "Simi features Patoranking in "Jericho" video". PM News. Archived from the original on 22 September 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  19. Motolani Alake (June 21, 2019). "Simi releases video for 'Jericho'". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 22 September 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  20. Damola Durosomo (July 19, 2019). "Simi and Adekunle Gold are the Absolute Cutest In Their New Music Video 'By You'". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 20 July 2019. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
  21. "Album Review: Simi's Omo Charlie Champagne Is A Dope Project". NotJustOk. April 30, 2019. Archived from the original on 13 May 2019. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
  22. "Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 by Simi". Apple Music. April 19, 2019. Archived from the original on 23 August 2019. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
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