Seyi Shay doesn’t belong to any school of feminism but she’s an advocate of female empowerment. To many that’s a paradox but to Seyi, that’s her a reality.
“I’m not a feminist, I just believe in the principles of human rights so I fight for it”, said the often outspoken, hardly demure Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua, who neither fits a stereotype nor gets pulled down by slips or letdowns.
The ‘Murda’ singer, having had her fair share of gaffes, constantly trudges ahead and manages to keep reinventing herself and winning our hearts with every new release.
When she’s not winning hearts, Seyi is championing a cause. Her involvement in the United Nations women and girl-child empowerment campaign is testament to that.
“A friend in South Africa who was sourcing for the project was interested in what I was doing with my own charity- ‘A Ray of Hope’, that focuses on less privileged children, women and the ‘girl child’, and decided that I would be the best candidate to represent Nigeria for this global campaign.”
“I plan to continue to lend my voice and my platform to similar causes. Most importantly I want to set a great example for all young girls out there.”
‘Airbrush’, Seyi’s latest single, is fast gaining traction with fans of quality love tunes. The deeply emotional song was inspired by personal events, she revealed to TheCable Lifestyle.
“I wanted to release a song that forced me to reach down inside myself and my emotions. Airbrush like the name implies is a cover up for what is real.
“I realised that nothing is perfect in relationships, careers, personalities so I guess I would say most of it is my story but its also the story of all our lives.”
The singer, who’s signed to Island Records, says fans should expect more personal songs like ‘Airbrush’ from her while divulging details of her contract with the US-based record label.
“They are my record label for all other territories apart from Africa. We are currently working on future singles and collaborations with other international artistes. My first release under island was the song “Murda” ft Patoranking and shaydee.”
As she eyes world domination and a further spreading of her wings, Seyi Shay believes the time is right for Nigerian artistes to break into the international arena.
“It’s been a long time coming and people like Wizkid have done it wonderfully”, she noted while adding that regardless of the success that may come her way, she’ll remain herself.
“I will always be myself. Inevitably my brand will expand and I will become more established internationally but I will always be Nigeria’s Seyi Shay. I am very proud of my roots.”
In a celebrity life filled with make-up sessions, meetings, events, travelling back and forth from place to place, Seyi says her fashion is dependent on the occasion.
“I dress to suit my mood”, said the ‘Right Here’ singer who aspires to feature in a movie, someday.
Asked what would give her fulfilment in life, the daily 8km runner appears to be playing the long game with life.
“Touching the lives of people all over the world with my music, giving hope and inspiration to my generation, living for humanity and having my own family.”
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