Nigerian singer Seyi Shay has opened up about the profound impact the death of legendary musician Sound Sultan had on her career and personal life. Speaking in recent interviews, the Big Girl crooner revealed that Sultan was more than a mentor, he was a confidant, a “small daddy figure,” and a strong pillar of support when she relocated to Nigeria to pursue her music dreams.
Seyi Shay recalled how Sound Sultan discovered her at a time when her girl group had disbanded in the UK, encouraging her to move to Nigeria and helping her secure a record deal. She lived with him and his family in Festac for nearly a year, during which he guided her through the challenges of the industry. “He was always my defender,” she said, noting how he often stood by her whenever she faced professional or personal hurdles.
His passing in 2021 left a deep void in her life and career. According to Seyi Shay, the loss was not only emotional but also professional, as she lost a mentor who constantly pushed her to aim higher. In tribute to him, she dedicated her 2021 album Big Girl to Sound Sultan, a move she described as her way of honoring his legacy and keeping his memory alive through her music.
