allure 13092020

INTERVIEW
Seyi Shay
- Is A Big Girl!
The last time I interviewed Seyi Shay was in 2013. This is now the year 2020 and understandably,
she’s grown. I chuckle as she picks my call on its second ring, gushing excitedly about
everything all at once in her smooth, velvety voice. When I ask her if she’ll be our Cover girl for
this special issue she replies in the affirmative before I’m even done and immediately, her machinery
takes over. It’s all Google calendar syncing and alarms being set and emails being exchanged, people
being copied in... the once bright-eyed, eager young starlet has evolved into a strong, decisive and
assured young woman, performer and business woman.
With many hit singles under her belt, several movie credits, and a horde of followers on social
media, Seyi Shay is still applying the pressure as she continues to chart her course across the music
industry into our airwaves and smartphones. It’s hard to not be proud of her journey so far when you
consider how marginalized female entertainers are within the industry. She sits in conversation with
me, Vanguard Allure’s LATASHA NGWUBE. I’ll let you enjoy this fine Sunday interview in Seyi
Shay’s own words.
They say a woman who changes her hair is about to
change her life... any truth to that adage as we admire
this bold new look of yours?
I guess there is! I’m changing my whole approach to life,
to my music and the way I do business in music; I have a
new team, a new deal, and a new project to release. I
recently bought another car and I moved into a new house in
Ikoyi with my studio set up there. I’m focused on all that and
my growth from a girl into a Big Girl.
2020 has been a rollercoaster to say the least. From the
global pandemic all the way to racial and gender issues
at an all time high, it’s safe to say nothing about this
year has been business as usual. How have you been
affected personally by it all?
As a musician, a lot of my livelihood is based on live
shows and endorsements. Sadly, the global pandemic
meant that I lost all those. I was unable to see my family that
live outside the country with the ease I’m accustomed to.
Even with everything happening globally Nigeria’s
music scene has been shinning bright with so many
new EP and album releases. What is keeping the
industry going from your point of view?
On one hand this has a lot to do with streams and on the
other it goes to show the strength in our numbers and our
culture globally.
Tell us about the inspiration behind your new single
TUALE. There’s something about it that appeals to “the
streets”. Was it created during this season or it just
worked out as a coincidence?
Funny you ask but I wrote and recorded TUALE 3 years
ago with Dr Amir, the producer. We decided to bring it out of
the archives as we felt the message was very apt for the
times we are currently in.
Tuale is a tuneful pro-hard work anthem record that
eulogizes people who scale the
everyday hurdles of life and get their hands dirty for a
legitimate source of income.
The song which doubles as an ode to my dedicated fans
and supporters, has vocal contributions from African music
heavyweights; Ycee, Zlantan and Small Doctor.
Being born and raised in the Uk means you obviously
have dual citizenship. Many bailed out on the
emergency evacuation flights but you stayed... why?
I stayed because of all the work I had to do on ground,
working with NGOs, lending a voice and sensitizing the
public about the safety measures against Coronavirus. I also
wanted to spend time recording and making more content. I
did not want to have to go through the 14 days quarantine
one has to go through upon entry into the UK only to be
eventually locked out of Nigeria which has now become my
primary residence.
It seems you have been busy in spite of the obstacles
and factors of life as we know it. How have you
preserved your mental and emotional energy?
Honestly, I just prayed and meditated a lot and I still do. I
kept in touch with people I hold dear and focused on all the
things I still want achieve.
“Securing the bag” is one of the new terms that simply
translates into making money and keeping that wealth
intact... Obviously, with live performances at an all time
low, what other ventures have you dabbled into or how
have you maintained the status quo?
Over the years I’ve made some pretty savvy
investments. I own farm land in the North, I acquired some
land and property and I also write songs for a living. The
songwriting brings in royalties every now and again and so
like everyone else I do what I must to ‘secure the bag’!
While the world was in lockdown, many people picked
up new skills, signed up for courses etc. What new
thing (if any) did you try?
I took up a course in Public Speaking. I
also signed up to the very popular Masterclass app and took
up acting classes to brush up on my acting skills.
What’s been your biggest lessons so far in 2020?
Life is short. Do everything you have ever wanted to do,
if you’re able to. Love and live well.
A few months ago, there was a report of your phone
being hacked and some racy images were posted on
your personal social media handles. For the record,
what really happened and how was the situation
resolved?
Someone seemingly close thought it would be a good
idea to release private pictures of me (saved in my personal
hard drive and intended for my beloved and I)
I had a few people that were entrusted with my devices
(not anymore though). Whether it happened as a joke that
eventually got out of hand or out of spite, the culprit has now
been cut off. The end.
What’s in the pipeline for you as we countdown the
remaining months of the year?
My next single Pempe, featuring Yemi Alade drops
around the end of October. I’ll be speaking on the UNGA
panel this year. The event offers a multilateral discussion of
international issues, with mine being gender equality and the
enhancement of girls/women, locally and globally. I’ll be
representing Africa and speaking alongside a few global
citizens like Naomi Campbell and Lewis Hamilton.
International collaborations have become THE NORM!
You’re no stranger having worked with acts like Teyana
Taylor and Missy Elliot. What are some other positive
milestones do you hope for the African music industry?
I’ve been blessed enough to be alive during this time of
global milestones for the African music industry. I hope to
see and be a pivotal part of even more.
Are you, like the rest of Nigeria, watching Big Brother?
4
/ September 13, 2020