Seyi

Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua (; born 21 December 1985), known professionally as Șèyí (formerly Seyi Shay), is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress. She was a member of From Above, a now-defunct girl group that was previously signed to Columbia Records and managed by Mathew Knowles. Her second studio album, Big Girl, was released on 10 December 2021.

Life and career 1985–2010: Early life, career beginnings, and Flytime Oluwaseyi Joshua was born and raised in Tottenham, England, to Nigerian parents. Her mother, who is now deceased, was a chorister and her father is a native of Ife. Șèyí has an elder sister and two older brothers; her sister composed songs for the BBC and one of her brothers was a club and radio disc jockey. She and her siblings were raised by their single mother. Șèyí grew up in a Christian home and often felt like a loner during her adolescence. She started visiting Nigeria when she was two years old and eventually attended the Command High School in Maryland, Lagos. She returned to London and performed with the London Community Gospel Choir during their world tour, which included 13 cities in Japan. In an interview with This Days Lanre Odukoya, Șèyí said her mother wanted her to become a doctor or lawyer and wasn't a staunch supporter of her musical ambitions. Șèyí had the opportunity to continue her management deal with Mathew Knowles and secure a contract with Sony despite the group's disbandment.

Șèyí has worked with a number of musicians, including Justin Timberlake, Brian Michael Cox, Darey, Bilal, Michelle Williams, Chip, Rob Knoxx, Harmony Samuels, and Cameron Wallace. The song "You Will See" was written by her as well and featured on Melanie C's third studio album, Beautiful Intentions (2005). Further, she wrote the song "White Lies" from Chip's 2011 album Transition.

2011–2013: Seyi or Shay and notable performances

On 11 August 2011, Șèyí released "Loving Your Way" and "No Le Le", two promotional singles that helped launch her music career in Nigeria. In 2012, she started recording her debut studio album, Seyi or Shay, and worked with producers such as Jay Sleek, Tee-Y Mix, Del B and Cobhams Asuquo. On 27 July 2012, Șèyí released the single "Irawo", which was produced by Del B and originally titled "Erawo". Șèyí said she wrote "Irawo" to inspire her colleagues and workmates to pull together. The song's music video was directed by Clarence Peters and uploaded to YouTube on 3 June 2013. The remix of "Irawo" includes a rap verse by Vector and was released on 6 December 2012.

Șèyí performed at the 2013 COSON Song Awards. In May 2013, she told Odukoya that she recorded a song with Olamide; the track was written by the rapper and scheduled for release in 2014. Șèyí claimed that Olamide's work ethic made working with him simple. In July 2013, she performed at one of Big Brother Africa 8's live eviction shows, and played at the 2013 edition of Star Music Trek in Asaba on 20 July 2013. In August 2013, she released the single "Killin' Me Softly", which features vocals by Timaya and was written and produced by Del B. In an interview with Vanguards Kehinde Ajose, Șèyí said she felt in love with the song when she first heard it and reached out to Timaya for a verse because she wanted a different vibe on the song. On 6 October 2013, she released the singles "Ragga Ragga" and "Chairman"; both songs were produced by Del B. The latter track features vocals by Kcee, who was present during the song's composition. In November 2013, she signed an endorsement deal with Etisalat. That same month, she and Wale performed "Bad" at the Johnnie Walker Step Up to VIP Lifestyle Launch event. Șèyí was a supporting act on the 2013 Hennessy Artistry 2013 Club Tour. In December 2013, she gave a performance at the Harp Rhythm Unplugged concert.

2014–2019: Electric Package, Vol. 1 and concert residency On 8 January 2014, Șèyí released the music video for "Ragga Ragga", which was filmed in Lagos and directed by Peters. At Darey's Love Like a Movie concert on February 15, 2014, Șèyí shared the stage with Kelly Rowland, D'banj, Tiwa Savage, Mo' Eazy, Zaina, Timi Dakolo, Waje, Muna, JJC, and Eva Alordiah. "Ragga Ragga" peaked at number 7 on MTV Base's Official Naija Top 10 chart for the week of 15 March through 19 March 2014. On 1 April 2014, Șèyí released the Dokta Frabz-produced single "Murda", which features additional vocals by Patoranking and Shaydee. In a review for Jaguda, music critic Arinze Obikili awarded the song a rating of 9 out of 10, commending Șèyí for using a familiar line. The music video for "Murda" was directed by Meji Alabi and uploaded to Vevo on 11 May 2014. Șèyí inked a recording contract with Island Records in July 2015, and signed a two-year endorsement deal with Pepsi that same year. She released her debut studio album, Seyi or Shay, in November 2015.

In an April 2016 interview with Nancy Isime on HipTV's Trending, Șèyí erroneously stated that EP is an acronym for "Electric Package". She trended on Twitter and footage of the mistake went viral online. On 10 January 2017, Șèyí released the single "Yolo Yolo", which was produced by DJ Coublon. The song's music video was directed by Meji Alabi and released on 20 March 2017. It was nominated for Best Music Video at The Headies 2018. "Yolo Yolo" appeared in a Baileys commercial that aired in Sub-Saharan Africa. Șèyí released her debut Extended Play (EP), Electric Package, Vol. 1, on 29 May 2018, along with a documentary. The title alludes to the blunder she made when referring to EP as "Electric Package" on Trending. The EP is composed of six tracks and marks Șèyí's first project in three years. A mixture of Afrobeats and gqom, Electric Package, Vol. 1 features collaborations with Kizz Daniel, Flavour, King Promise, Vanessa Mdee, DJ Spinall, DJ Cuppy, Anatii, DJ Consequence, and Slimcase. That same year, Șèyí released the Runtown-assisted track "Gimme Love", which won Best R&B Single at The Headies 2019. She also released the remix of "Gimme Love", which features vocals by Teyana Taylor.

2020–present: Nigerian Idol, publishing deal, rift with Tiwa Savage, and Big Girl In June 2020, Șèyí signed a management deal with Aristokrat Records. In May of the same year, she inked a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group and Aristokrat Publishing. On 2 February 2021, MultiChoice Nigeria appointed Șèyí to serve as judge on the sixth season of Nigerian Idol. During the show's audition in March 2021, Șèyí was criticized for comments she made about Mayowa "Tohrus" Odueyungbo, who was one of the contestants. On 29 March 2021, television host Frank Edoho criticized all of the judges for their remarks. Șèyí responded to the criticism on Twitter, saying: "I'm feeling like #JudgeJudy right now. You either love her or you hate her, and that's quite alright! either way, thanks for the #1 trend". In June 2021, Șèyí engaged in a minor dispute with Tiwa Savage at an upscale salon in Lekki. A few years prior to the confrontation, Savage downplayed Șèyí's endorsement deal with Pepsi after being asked in a radio interview to share her thoughts about the announcement. It comprises ten tracks and features guest appearances from Calema, Simi, Wande Coal, Yemi Alade, and Backroad Gee. Șèyí described the album as "a documentation of the experiences, growth and evolution that I've undergone in the last five years". Șèyí said Savage was convinced that she was aware of the affair and was encouraging it.

Personal life Șèyí has a daughter who was born on 16 April 2022. She and her daughter appeared in public for the first time on 4 December 2022.

Discography Studio albums Seyi or Shay (2015) Big Girl (2021)

EPs Electric Package, Vol. 1 (2018) Feels Like Home, Vol. 1 (2023) Feels Like Home, Vol. 2 (2023)

Selected singles

Selected videography +YearTitleDirectorRef2014"Murda" (featuring Patoranking and Shaydee) Meji Alabi 2015"Right Now" 2017"Bia"Clarence Peters "Weekend Vibes" (Remix) (featuring Sarkodie) Moe Musa "Your Matter" (featuring Eugy and Efosa) Meji Alabi 2018"Surrender" (featuring Kizz Daniel)Clarence Peters 2019"Ko Ma Roll" (featuring Harmonize)Cardoso Imagery "Gimme Love" (featuring Runtown) Clarence Peters

Filmography

Awards and nominations