₦airaland Forum

Seyi Shay Opens Up: How Sound Sultan’s Death and Motherhood Pushed Her Into Career Break

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Seyi Shay, has opened up on the real reasons she stepped back from the music scene, revealing that the death of her mentor, Sound Sultan, in 2021 shattered her motivation for music. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Sound Sultan: More Than a Mentor

Speaking in a recent interview with TVC, the award-winning artist described the late Sound Sultan not only as her mentor but also as a best friend and father figure who personally introduced her into the Nigerian music industry.

“During the filming of Nigerian Idol, my mentor, also my best friend, who was like a father to me and the one who introduced me to the industry, died. That was Sound Sultan,” Seyi Shay recalled.

She revealed that when she first moved to Nigeria, she lived with Sound Sultan and his wife in FESTAC for a year. He not only gave her a home but also connected her with key players in the Nigerian music space, making her transition smoother.

“It Tore Me Apart”

Seyi Shay admitted that Sultan’s death left her deeply devastated.

“What hurt the most is that I didn’t get to see him before he passed away. I was meant to travel to New York to see him during a break, and he even asked me to bring something for him. It tore me apart,” she recounted emotionally.

Choosing Peace Over Pressure

The singer also disclosed that around the same period, she discovered she was pregnant with her daughter. The combination of grief, personal transformation, and what she described as the “toxic” nature of the music industry influenced her decision to take a break.

“I told myself there was no way I was going to have my child in the toxic environment I was constantly under. So, I decided to take a break,” she added.

Fans React to Her Candid Confession

Her heartfelt revelation has sparked emotional reactions online, with fans praising her courage to speak openly about loss, mental health, and motherhood in an industry that rarely gives space for vulnerability.

Seyi Shay’s story is a reminder that even stars face battles behind the spotlight — and sometimes, stepping back is the only way to heal.

helinues:
Excuse. She was going weird her dressings then. Which was unnecessary.Almost naked appearance .That will definitely slow your career down because of perception

Thundafireseun:
The death of Someone we love breaks us apart

Sorry dear…. But truth be told, nobody noticed that you have been away

Thundafireseun:
The death of Someone we love breaks us apart

Sorry dear…. But truth be told, nobody noticed that you have been away

lenghtinny:
Sorry for your loss but why can’t I post for God’s sake

Nairaland be moving mad

Kazeem47:
You are not nice o.Please help me with 40 more characters.

TGreatGatsby:
Dude fans of her's like us noticed. Just that Tiwa has been holding it down since she went on "break". Ayra no go let her come that close to Tiwa as she was before in ranking.

Rexymania:
I love this lady and Tiwa. I later would found out that they were enemies. Anyway, chase happiness. I miss you sha

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thundafireseun:
The death of Someone we love breaks us apart

Sorry dear…. But truth be told, nobody noticed that you have been away

ItisWell22:
It was always beautiful listening to her back then.

She sings from her soul.




Coincidentally, she don born “wife” for Tiwa son.
Nollywood movie loading;
My “mother’s enemy’s daughter”… 🤣😂

helinues:
Excuse. She was going weird her dressings then. Which was unnecessary.Almost naked appearance .That will definitely slow your career down because of perception