‘The song is more of a monologue talking about life as opposed to love or breakups. It’s such a different vibe and as you know, I strive to be different and set trends for my generation”– Seyi Shay

If there’s one thing I have promised not to get distracted by this year, it’s chasing the lead on good music. Despite the fact that there’s lots of drama on and off line these days, all those topsy-turvy were not enough to engulf my reasoning from realizing that Seyi Shay’s latest single “Yolo Yolo”, musically, is one of the best releases so far in the first sixty days of 2017. Getting her for a one on one interview would be a hard task because she’s been globetrotting pushing her brand. So, I decided to meet with her online. First things first, I needed her to tell me what inspired the new single and why the various music influences in it.

“YOLO YOLO” is a fusion of Afro beat and Salsa. Salsa had been essentially Latin music. The song was produced by Dj Coublon, and co-written by Clem, a profound Nigerian songwriter. I knew it would be my next single the moment I heard the trumpets and the Afro beat vibe. The song is more of a monologue talking about life as opposed to love or breakups. It’s such a different vibe and as you know, I strive to be different and set trends for my generation.” – Seyi Shay started explaining things to me.

What inspired your previous album and what was the feedback you got after it?

My album, SEYI OR SHAY was a culmination of all the songs I had recorded over 3 or 4 years. It’s essentially inspired by the time and journey in my life. In that album you hear me falling in and out of love, experiencing new things and growing up.

You are one of the artistes that have achieved so much in terms of endorsements, tell us about all the endorsements you have been a part of?

I have been an Etisalat ambassador, I am currently a Pepsi ambassador, I was a Chivita ambassador, I and Burna Boy are ambassadors for the Nigerian Stock Exchange and recently I became ambassador for a telecoms service provider called CELEBRITY HANG OUT with my colleagues, 2baba, Ice Prince, Ycee.

In details, kindly take us through your music journey so far and all the record deals or partnerships you have been a part of?

My journey has been a long one and I’m still on it! I was managed by Matthew Knowles for 4 years, signed to Sony for 2 years, moved to Nigeria when Matthew Knowles’ girl group broke up, I signed a promotional deal with Flytime for 2 years. After leaving Flytime, I became an independent solo artiste, signed to my own label STARGURL of which I am the CEO. I was then managed by J-Management, who now only manage me on an international scale. I am currently now signed to Island records UK and managed by the prolific Matthew Ohio (Industry Night and Felabration).*

What about the music industry is a NO-NO for you? Some of the stuffs that make you feel a bit worried?

The issue of piracy is still rife and it’s still definitely a no-no for me. The future of the sales of our music, including publishing and royalties still worry me a lot.*

The music industry is a bit more competitive these days, what are your plans to stay on top of the game?

My plan is to keep evolving forward and keep setting trends.

You have experienced record deals both in Nigeria and outside the shores, what do think are the reasons why all these indie record labels in Nigeria are finding it difficult to successfully manage most female artistes signed to them?

I can’t answer that question. I honestly have no idea. One thing I can say though is that Nigerian women are tough cookies! (lol)

Tell us all the plans the Seyi Shay brand has for her audience this year?

My plans this year are to release 4 more singles with videos, complete my African tour, release international music with my international record label, invest in business and trust in God to do the rest.

– Sesan Adeniji

Culled from Mystreetz Magazine