Seyi Shay Reveals How Sound Sultan’s Death Changed Her Music Career
Nigerian singer and songwriter Seyi Shay has revealed how the death of her mentor, Sound Sultan, became one of the most painful turning points in her career and personal life. She explained that losing him in 2021 left her without the strength to continue music and made her step away from the spotlight.
In a recent interview with TVC, Seyi Shay spoke about how much Sound Sultan meant to her. She described him not only as her mentor but also as her best friend and a father figure who guided her into the Nigerian music industry. According to her, when Sound Sultan passed away, she felt broken and lost her motivation to make music.
The singer recalled that when she first moved to Nigeria, Sound Sultan welcomed her warmly and even opened his home to her. She lived with him and his wife in FESTAC for a whole year. During that time, he introduced her to important people in the industry and ensured that she was supported. Seyi Shay admitted that without him, her career would not have taken off the way it did.
She also revealed a heartbreaking detail about her relationship with the late singer. Seyi Shay said she was supposed to travel to New York to visit Sound Sultan just before he died. He had even asked her to bring something for him during her trip, but sadly, she never got the chance to see him again. She explained that missing that opportunity made the loss even harder to accept.
“What hurt the most is that I didn’t get to see him before he passed away. I was supposed to fly out that weekend to see him. Losing him made me feel like I had no will to continue music without Sound Sultan,” she said during the interview.
The timing of his death also came at a very sensitive moment in Seyi Shay’s life. She disclosed that around the same period, she became pregnant. She said the thought of raising her child in what she called a toxic music industry made her rethink her career choices. For her, protecting her peace and giving her child a safe environment mattered more than chasing fame.
According to the singer, the decision to step back was not easy, but it was necessary. She explained that the pressure, constant public scrutiny, and negative energy in the music industry were not healthy for her or her baby. By taking a break, she gave herself time to heal, reflect, and focus on family.
Sound Sultan, whose real name was Olanrewaju Fasasi, died in July 2021 after a battle with cancer. He was celebrated as one of Nigeria’s most respected and influential artists, known for his unique sound and positive influence on the younger generation. His death was a huge loss to the Nigerian music industry and to the many artists he mentored, including Seyi Shay.
Seyi Shay’s story shows the powerful role Sound Sultan played in her journey. His guidance, support, and love shaped her music career, while his death forced her to pause and make life-changing decisions. For the singer, Sound Sultan’s legacy lives on, and she carries his influence with her even as she takes time away from the stage.
