Sharon-Rose Similoluwa Banjo-Ogunleye, known professionally as Fimí, is a burgeoning force in the Nigerian hip hop scene, distinguished by her confident flair and dynamic artistry.
Born and raised in Osogbo, Osun State, Fimí’s musical journey commenced upon discovering her father’s church piano, where her innate talent merged with curiosity and passion. At 12, inspired by the Disney movie Let It Shine, she penned her first gospel song, marking the inception of her songwriting journey. By her first year in university, she released her debut track under the moniker “Shawwy Bee”, however, Fimí’s path hasn’t been linear.
After early releases around 2020, she stepped back from music for a period, juggling stable jobs while nurturing her craft quietly behind the scenes. Her return in 2024 was a full commitment to music as a career and a calling, leaving behind the safety net of traditional employment to pursue her dream with renewed focus. Her eventual move to Lagos was a strategic step that exposed her to new opportunities, positioning her at the heart of Nigeria’s music ecosystem.
Her official foray into the industry began with the single “Blessings” in 2020, where her sleek and witty wordplay over a minimalist hip hop beat signalled the arrival of a promising talent. She soon followed with “Your Love”, revealing her versatility by embracing a more melodic, emotional delivery. Her breakout track, “Spitting“—which doubled as her first release in four years—is a three-minute barrage of hard-hitting lyrics packed with punchlines, clever metaphors, and a confident declaration that she is a queen poised to revolutionise the Nigerian rap game. Similarly, her April two-pack release distills the core of Fimí’s artistry, with “Halo” striking a chord with a wider audience—going viral on X (formerly Twitter), racking up over 18,000 likes, more than a million impressions, and helping the project surpass 50,000 streams on Spotify.
Fimí’s artistry is characterised by a deliberate and fluid flow laced with creativity, a reflection of her self-assured presence in the rap scene. Her music is not confined by genre boundaries but draws inspiration from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat, and Doechii. She blends introspective lyricism with dynamic and unpredictable elements. This fusion results in a sound that is refreshingly bold, assertive, and boundary-pushing.
Visually, her presentations serve as extensions of her music, melding traditional Nigerian attire with contemporary fashion to embody her multifaceted identity. This contrast is a deliberate cultural conversation between heritage and modernity. Fimí also experiments with Yoruba language and poetry, showing comfort in her roots despite the heavy modern hip hop influences her music is characterised by.
Fimí’s recent collaboration with Wetalksound and alternative rapper SGaWD on “Hei God” highlights her intuitive creative process, as she glides through multiple flows with a brilliant verse that matches SGaWD’s fiery opener. Her boastful, hedonistic lines inject even more punch into the track, elevating its energy and flair.
For Fimí, success transcends fame or financial gain. She wants her music to resonate, to inspire, and to bring peace of mind both to herself and to those who listen. Confident yet playful, with a sharp wit that shines through her lyrics and public persona, Fimí remains a dynamic force with much more to offer. As she builds her distinctive space in the Nigerian rap scene, she does so with impressive intent, creativity, and a vision for global recognition comparable to her icons.
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