Nigerian singer and songwriter, Seyi Shay, has revealed how the death of her mentor, Sound Sultan, deeply impacted her career and influenced her decision to take a break from music.
Speaking in an interview with TVC, the singer recalled that she lost the motivation to continue making music after Sound Sultan passed away in 2021. She explained that the late artist, whom she described as a father figure and best friend, played a pivotal role in her entry into the Nigerian music industry.
“During the filming of Nigerian Idol, my mentor, also my best friend, who is like a father figure to me and the person who brought me into the Nigerian music industry, died. He passed away; Sound Sultan,” she said.
Seyi Shay recounted how Sultan welcomed her when she first moved to Nigeria. “I was living with him and his wife in FESTAC for a year. He was the one who co-signed me and introduced me to everybody in the industry to make sure his people looked out for me,” she added.
She revealed that she had been scheduled to visit him in New York shortly before his death but never got the chance. “What hurt the most is that I didn’t get to see him before he passed away. I was supposed to fly to see him that weekend during our break. He even asked me to bring him something specifically. It just tore me apart. I felt like I didn’t have the will to continue music without Sound Sultan,” she said.
The singer further disclosed that the same period coincided with her pregnancy, which reinforced her decision to step back from the spotlight.
“Also, during that period, I got pregnant and I told myself there’s no way I’m going to have my child in the toxic music industry that I’m in and under the scrutiny I was constantly under. So, I thought I should take a break,” she explained.
Sound Sultan, born Olanrewaju Fasasi, died in July 2021 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy as one of Nigeria’s most respected and influential artists.
