Simi earns Gold certification in New Zealand for her hit song ‘Duduke,’ marking her first-ever international music accolade

Simi earns Gold certification in New Zealand for her chart-topping single ‘Duduke’, marking a significant milestone in her musical journey and her first-ever international recognition.

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The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand confirmed the certification after the song sold over 15,000 units, a feat that places the Nigerian singer among a select few female Afrobeats artists to achieve a foreign Gold record.

Released in 2022, ‘Duduke’ became an instant anthem across Africa and beyond, blending soft vocals with emotional depth as Simi sang about the heartbeat she felt for her unborn child.

The song’s video, which showed the singer proudly displaying her baby bump, became a viral celebration of motherhood and femininity.

The song also sparked the hugely popular ‘Duduke Challenge’, which encouraged fans to share their own renditions and interpretations online, further cementing the track’s emotional connection with audiences.

Reflecting on the song’s impact, Simi once revealed that some people affectionately call her daughter, Adejare, “Duduke” because she inspired the hit. While flattered, the singer said she prefers her daughter to be addressed by her real name.

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For Simi, this latest recognition is more than a certification — it is a testament to her artistry, emotional storytelling, and the global reach of contemporary Nigerian music.