Biography

Deborah Oluwa-seyi Joshua, better known by her stage name 'Seyi Shay' (pronounced Shay-yee Shay), is a Nigerian based International Recording Artist, Songwriter, and Performer. Born and raised in London, UK to Nigerian Parents, She began performing at the age of six. A former member of the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) headed by Basil Meade, whose international tours and acclaim, afforded her a platform to perform in different cities around the world (including a 13 city tour in Japan) at the tender age of fourteen.

Seyi Shay is also a talented songwriter, who has written and produced three major songs for the Konami Game Soundtrack; "Crime Life", as well as the song "You will see" which was performed by former Spice Girl; Mel C, and was also included in her highly successful Album, "Beautiful Intentions". She also wrote successful hit 'White Lies' for international selling rapper/artist Chipmunk, that featured Coleena of Diddy's Dirty Money. 

Alongside, Seyi Shay decided to attend a National audition in the UK where she would later emerge as the lead singer of the British Pop/RnB girl group; "From Above", they signed to Sony/Columbia Record company and Music World Entertainment owned by Beyonce's father; Matthew Knowles.

From Above released their debut album online called 'Breaking From Above', which was also the title of their MTV reality show which aired in over 166 countries worldwide. They supported Beyonce on her “I AM” UK tour in 2009/10.

Now branching out a solo artist, Seyi Shay is working on her debut album in Nigeria. Having already recorded a number of songs with the country's top producers, plans are in place for the release of her solo singles in Africa and Worldwide. 

Known for her stage energy and prowess, Seyi Shay has performed in some of the finest A-list events in Nigeria and across Africa, including The Chase Big Brother Africa show and the MTV Mama 2015 Awards in Durban, where she performed with Grammy-award winning international artist, Neyo. Seyi Shay was also nominated for Best Female and Best Music Video at the MTV Mama 2015 Awards. 

Her single 'Irawo' released in 2013 is still enjoying waves and it is no surprise the singer chose the name 'Irawo', meaning 'Star' in Nigerian native language Yoruba. Seyi Shay then subsequently released 'Ragga Ragga' and 'Chairman' ft Kcee, with a video for 'Ragga Ragga' which premiered on 9th January 2014. She followed up with a successful hit single 'Murda' ft Patoranking & Shaydee which was widely regarded as the Summer Anthem with a video released on the 11th June 2014 spanning across international markets. On 15th October 2014, Seyi Shay released a fresh banger titled 'Crazy' ft Wizkid dominating the club scene. Her high-life single 'Jangilova' - a story of love starring Nollywood's hottest actor OC Ukeje in the video premiered on the 22nd April 2015. On the 7th of July 205, she simultaneously released the audio and video of 'Right Now' produced by Harmony Samuels which is currently fast topping the charts.

Seyi Shay is currently working on her highly anticipated debut album due in Q4 2015 which is set to fuse international sounds with the core elements of Afrobeat. Her debut UK single is also expected to be released in Q3 2015 via her recently signed record deal with Island Records UK.

[h/t: iamseyishay]