Nigerian singer and songwriter Seyi Shay has revealed the profound impact the death of her mentor and close friend, Sound Sultan, had on her music career. In an interview with TVC, she opened up about losing the motivation to continue making music following his passing in 2021 after a battle with cancer.
Seyi Shay described Sound Sultan as not just a mentor but also a father figure who played a crucial role in her introduction and growth within the Nigerian music industry. She first met him in a UK recording studio, and he later brought her to Nigeria, connecting her with major industry figures. She lived with Pascoal and his wife in FESTAC for about a year, deepening their close relationship beyond music to a family bond.
When Sound Sultan died, Seyi Shay was in the middle of filming Nigerian Idol. She was devastated, especially as she never got to visit him in New York before his death, despite plans to do so. The loss nearly broke her will to continue in music, compounded by her pregnancy during the same period, prompting her to take a break from the “toxic” music industry environment she found overwhelming at the time.
She recalled the emotional pain of his passing, expressing how much she relied on his guidance and friendship. Despite this setback, Seyi Shay credits Sound Sultan for shaping her career path and remains grateful for the time they shared. She is now working on new music, blending her past experiences with fresh creativity.
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