How Sound Sultan’s Death Affected My Music Career — Seyi Shay

Nigerian singer and songwriter Seyi Shay has opened up about the deep impact of her late mentor Sound Sultan on her musical journey and mental well-being. In an exclusive chat obtained by PulseNets, Shay admitted that Sultan’s passing in 2021 left her shaken and nearly ended her passion for music altogether.

Speaking with TVC, Seyi Shay told PulseNets, “While filming Nigerian Idol, my mentor and best friend—he was like a father figure and the man who first brought me into Nigeria’s music scene—passed away. That man was Sound Sultan.”

She revealed that the emotional blow was devastating, explaining, “When I first arrived in Nigeria, I stayed with him and his wife in FESTAC for a full year. He personally introduced me to the key players in the industry, co-signed me, and ensured his people watched over me. Losing him while shooting Nigerian Idol was so tough, but somehow I managed to finish the season.”

Seyi Shay further shared that the pain was magnified by her missed opportunity to see him one last time. She recalled, “The hardest part is I never got to say goodbye. I had planned to fly to New York that weekend during our filming break because he asked me to bring him something special. When he died before I got there, it completely tore me apart. At that point, I felt I had no will to keep making music without Sound Sultan, without my peace of mind, and without protecting my mental health. That’s when I chose to step back.”

Also Read: I should have spoken to Sound Sultan before he died – Burna Boy

PulseNets reported that Shay also used the break to focus on her personal life. She explained, “Around that same time, I became pregnant with my daughter. I made a conscious decision that I would not raise my child within what I saw as a toxic music industry or under the constant scrutiny I had been facing. Taking that break was necessary for me and my family.”