Seyi Shay Opens Up on How Sound Sultan’s Death Affected Her

Nigerian singer and songwriter Seyi Shay has spoken openly about the deep impact that the passing of late music icon Sound Sultan had on her life and career. The celebrated artist, who was regarded as a mentor and friend to many, died in July 2021 after a battle with throat cancer, leaving a significant void in the Nigerian music industry.

Seyi Shay described Sound Sultan as more than just a colleague, recalling that he played the role of an elder brother who offered her guidance and encouragement during pivotal stages of her career. According to her, his kindness, humility, and wisdom made him a rare figure in the entertainment space.

She revealed that his death left her shaken, as it was difficult to imagine the industry without his presence. For her, the loss was not just professional but personal, as Sound Sultan had become a constant figure she leaned on for honest advice and moral support.

Lessons from His Life and Legacy

Reflecting on Sound Sultan’s legacy, Seyi Shay emphasized that his life taught her valuable lessons about humility, consistency, and the importance of staying true to one’s craft. She noted that despite his fame, Sound Sultan remained approachable and was always willing to support younger artists without expecting anything in return.

According to her, one of the most striking aspects of his personality was his ability to balance success with humanity. Seyi Shay said she admired how he carried himself with grace, never allowing the spotlight to compromise his values. She admitted that losing such a mentor reminded her of the need to live intentionally and to create music that has lasting impact.

She further explained that Sound Sultan’s legacy has become a source of inspiration for her current projects. His dedication to meaningful music has influenced her approach, pushing her to focus more on songs that carry powerful messages rather than only commercial appeal.

Moving Forward with His Memory

While the pain of losing Sound Sultan remains, Seyi Shay expressed that she has found strength in cherishing the memories they shared. She acknowledged that grief does not simply disappear, but learning to carry his lessons has helped her cope with the loss. For her, celebrating his memory is a way of ensuring that his influence continues to live on.

The singer also pointed out that Sound Sultan’s absence created a vacuum not only in her personal journey but also in the Nigerian music community. She remarked that he was a unifying force whose generosity brought together people from different walks of life.

Looking ahead, Seyi Shay said she hopes to honor him by mentoring young talents the way he mentored her. By carrying forward the values he instilled, she believes she can contribute to keeping his spirit alive in the music industry and beyond.