Heartbeat to Gold: Simi’s ‘Duduke’ Goes International

Nigerian Afropop sensation Simi has scored a major international win as her hit single Duduke officially earned a Gold certification in New Zealand.

The announcement came on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, marking Simi’s first-ever foreign certification and another defining moment in her decade-long career.

According to the New Zealand Recording Industry Association, Duduke surpassed the 15,000-unit sales threshold required for a Gold plaque, confirming its enduring popularity five years after its release.

Originally dropped in April 2020, Duduke became an anthem of love and motherhood, inspired by Simi’s pregnancy at the time.

The song, which means “heartbeat,” captured the emotional rhythm of a mother’s affection for her unborn child and sparked the viral “#DudukeChallenge” on social media, where fans recreated the song’s visuals in celebration of motherhood.

Reacting to the news, Simi took to Instagram to share her joy with fans.

“Duduke is officially certified Gold in New Zealand  My first international certification.”

“Thank you to everyone who made this possible,” she wrote, adding a series of heart emojis and tags to her team and fans.

The post immediately drew waves of congratulatory comments from fans and fellow celebrities.

“You deserve it and more, Simi.”

“Duduke touched hearts across the world,” one fan wrote.

“From your heart to the world,  Gold looks good on you!” another commented.

Entertainment critics also hailed the milestone as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling in music.

“Simi’s ‘Duduke’ wasn’t just a song; it was an emotion that transcended borders.”

“This certification shows that sincerity still sells,” music journalist Ayo Akanmu said.

Industry watchers noted that while Nigerian artists often dominate global streaming charts, formal certifications in foreign markets remain rare, making Simi’s achievement particularly significant.

Beyond the numbers, Duduke has become symbolic of love, patience, and maternal strength. 

Fans have affectionately nicknamed Simi’s daughter, Adejare, “Duduke”  a gesture the singer says she appreciates, though she prefers her daughter’s real name to be used.

With this milestone, Simi joins a growing list of Nigerian artists who continue to break new ground internationally, proving that Afro-soul and pop from Africa can command both emotional and commercial success abroad.

As the music world celebrates with her, one thing is clear, Duduke still beats strong, and so does Simi’s golden heart