- Nigerian singer Seyi Shay shared how Wizkid’s artistry and mentorship influenced her growth in music.
- She discussed their early collaborations, including her song “Crazy” and her work providing backing vocals for some of his tracks.
- Seyi Shay described Wizkid as “inhumanly talented”, noting his ability to record music effortlessly.
- She said he often offered advice on how to handle challenges in the entertainment industry.
- The conversation took place during her appearance on “The Honest Bunch Podcast.”
Nigerian Afro-fusion star Seyi Shay has opened up about how Wizkid’s creativity and mentorship played a defining role in shaping her music career.
Speaking on the latest episode of “The Honest Bunch Podcast,” Seyi Shay reflected on the early days of her career, when her friendship with the Grammy-winning artist grew into a genuine creative bond. She recalled working closely with Wizkid on several tracks — including her own single “Crazy,” where he featured — as well as providing backing vocals on some of his projects.
According to her, those moments of collaboration went beyond just making music. Wizkid’s approach to his craft and his calm but focused energy made a lasting impression on her. She described watching him record effortlessly, sometimes even while multitasking, and said it opened her eyes to a different kind of creative discipline.
Seyi Shay explained that Wizkid’s influence wasn’t limited to the studio. He often offered personal guidance, helping her understand how to navigate the unpredictable terrain of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Their connection, she noted, was built on mutual respect and a shared passion for creating something that felt authentic.
Reflecting on those early years, Seyi Shay said Wizkid’s intelligence and originality made her realise the power of staying true to one’s unique style — a lesson that continues to influence her artistic journey today.
I did Crazy with Wizkid. I featured him on the song, and he featured me on one of his songs. I also did backing vocals for a couple of his other songs then. We became genuine friends.
“I realised that he is actually so smart and so talented. I have actually seen him record while eating, and that was mad to me.
I don’t know where he gets his inspiration from. He is like a magician, and I am heavily attracted to people with such levels of talent. My spirit, my soul, everything resonates with people that are inhumanly talented. He used to advise me a lot and used to tell me how people behave in this industry.
Seyi Shay’s revelation about Wizkid offers a rare glimpse into the unseen layers of mentorship within Nigeria’s music industry — a world often dominated by competition rather than collaboration. In a scene where artists frequently battle for dominance, her story reminds us that greatness often grows in quiet, shared moments of learning and influence.
Wizkid’s creative process — spontaneous, fearless, and deeply intuitive — has inspired not only a generation of fans but also his peers. For Seyi Shay, watching him turn casual inspiration into hit records was more than an artistic experience; it was a masterclass in creative freedom. She saw that genius doesn’t always come from structure or perfection but from confidence in one’s instincts — a lesson that continues to define the best of Afrobeats.
What makes this reflection even more significant is how it underscores the importance of artistic community. Behind every chart-topping success story are unseen networks of support, advice, and shared creativity. Seyi Shay’s acknowledgment of Wizkid’s role in her journey isn’t about credit — it’s about gratitude for an exchange of energy that shaped both her sound and her perspective.
In an era where fame can be fleeting, their story highlights something timeless: success in music isn’t just about talent or opportunity; it’s also about the people who challenge and inspire you along the way. Seyi Shay’s tribute to Wizkid isn’t merely about influence — it’s about recognising that real artistry thrives when collaboration replaces rivalry.
