Lagos, Nigeria – October 17, 2025 – In a candid revelation that’s resonating deeply with fans and the entertainment world, Nigerian singer and songwriter Seyi Shay has shared how a deliberate four-year retreat from the music spotlight reshaped her inner world, crediting motherhood and intentional solitude for a spiritual metamorphosis that redefined her life.
The 38-year-old powerhouse, celebrated for hits like “Right Now” and “Pangolo,” stepped away from public performances and album releases around 2021, shortly after welcoming her daughter, Adora. Speaking exclusively to renowned media personality Chude Jideonwo in a recently aired interview, Shay described the hiatus not as a retreat, but as a vital “journey of isolation” that ignited profound self-discovery. “The transformation of my mind started before I had my child,” she reflected, her voice steady yet laced with emotion. “There is something really good about isolation… it gave me hindsight, insight, and foresight.” This period of quiet, she explained, allowed her to confront long-held perceptions—particularly about relationships and men—emerging with a renewed mindset and a “different frequency” of spirituality that now anchors her every decision.
Shay, whose real name is Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua, delved into how embracing solitude amid new motherhood became a catalyst for growth. “Motherhood and solitude changed everything,” she said, echoing sentiments that have since gone viral on social media. The once-bustling artist traded red carpets for reflective evenings, channeling energy into nurturing her family and exploring faith. She recounted playing gospel artist Travis Greene’s “Be Still” on repeat during her pregnancy—a track so embedded in her routine that her toddler now hums it effortlessly—highlighting a shift toward music that feeds the soul rather than just the charts. “My spirituality has transformed,” Shay affirmed, emphasizing a deeper embrace of peace, self-love, and divine alignment. “I now operate on a level where everything feels clearer, lighter.”
The conversation also touched on her personal life, where Shay openly addressed co-parenting with her partner, whom she confirmed is not her husband but a steadfast ally in raising Adora. “He’s great, he’s cool, he’s around… We just work together raising our child, and we are great friends,” she shared, underscoring a mature, respectful dynamic born from mutual growth. This transparency comes against a backdrop of earlier challenges, including the emotional toll of losing mentor Sound Sultan in 2021, which Shay has previously linked to her initial withdrawal from music.
Fans and peers have flooded social platforms with support, hailing Shay’s vulnerability as a beacon for others navigating burnout or life transitions. Hashtags like #SeyiShayComeback and #SpiritualGrowthJourney are trending, with messages praising her for normalizing pauses in high-pressure careers. Industry voices, including comedian Seyilaw and music consultant Bizzle Osikoya, echoed calls for her return to the stage, reminiscing about her “banger tunes” and anticipating a spiritually infused sound. As one X user put it, “Seyi Shay’s story is a reminder that true hits come from healed hearts.”
Shay, who teased new music earlier this year after Adora’s arrival, hinted that her hiatus-fueled insights will soon translate into fresh releases. “The break helped me reflect, grow, and see life in a new way,” she told The Guardian Nigeria, signaling an artistic renaissance rooted in authenticity. In an era where celebrities often mask vulnerabilities, her story stands as a powerful testament to the strength found in stillness—proving that sometimes, the greatest comeback begins within.
NigeriaWire Entertainment Desk. Additional reporting from social media insights.