Nigerian singer Simi recently shared a cultural revelation she had during a visit to Kenya on the 90’s Baby Show. She recounted being surprised when Kenyans asked for translations of her pidgin English lyrics, assuming it was a universally understood form of English across Africa. This misconception challenged her assumption that pidgin English was widely spoken beyond Nigeria.
Simi, known for her blend of English and pidgin in songs, reflected on the incident where she was asked to translate her lyrics for collaboration with a Kenyan artist. She had previously assumed that pidgin English was common throughout Africa, leading to her cultural shock upon realizing its regional specificity.
Additionally, Simi mentioned that her 4-year-old daughter Adejare has picked up some pidgin English naturally, as it is spoken frequently at home with her husband, Adekunle Gold, and their friends. This bilingual environment has influenced her daughter to use pidgin phrases like “Wetin you do o,” which Simi appreciates as a form of informal communication within their circle.
Simi’s experience highlights the diversity of language within Africa and the cultural nuances that shape linguistic practices across different regions.