Seyi Shay

**Seyi Shay** Oluwaseyi Joshua, widely known by her stage name Seyi Shay, is a Nigerian-British singer, songwriter, and actress. A prominent figure in the contemporary Afrobeats movement, her music is characterized by a versatile blend of Afropop, R&B, afro-soul, reggae, and dancehall. She has established herself internationally, recognized for her powerful vocals and contributions to African music. **Early Life and Education** Oluwaseyi Joshua was born on December 21, 1985, in Tottenham, London, United Kingdom, to Nigerian parents. She was raised in both London and Lagos, Nigeria. Shay's musical journey began early, influenced by her family's artistic background; she joined her school choir and started performing at the age of six. For her higher education, she attended the University of East London. **Career Progression** Shay’s professional music career began around 2001. Her early career saw her sign her first recording contract with No Apologies, a record company associated with Sir George Martin. She was briefly part of the all-girl group, From Above, before moving back to Nigeria to focus on her solo career. Her breakthrough came in the Nigerian music scene with a string of popular singles and performances. She gained recognition for her genre-blending style, and her career trajectory saw her sign an international record deal with Island Records, which provided a platform for global distribution of her music, distinguishing her as one of the few Nigerian artists to achieve this milestone at the time. **Notable Works and Achievements** Seyi Shay's discography includes notable projects like the debut album *Seyi or Shay* and the EP *Electric Package, Vol. 1*. Her subsequent work, including the album *Big Girl*, further cemented her position in the industry. In addition to her music, she has ventured into acting and served as a judge on the talent competition *Nigerian Idol* (2021). Her talent has earned her several accolades and nominations throughout her career, including winning Best R\&B Single at The Headies (2019) for the song "Gimme Love." She has also received nominations at major events such as the World Music Awards and the MTV Africa Music Awards. **Current Status** Seyi Shay remains an active figure in the entertainment world, working as a singer, songwriter, and actress. She continues to utilize her international reach to promote Afropop globally, maintaining an influential presence across various social media platforms.