Singer Seyi Shay marked her 40th birthday with an emotional, reflective message, opening up about her life journey, personal growth, and time away from the music industry.
In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram on Sunday, the award-winning singer described her journey to 40 as “turbulent, loud, beautiful, painful, victorious, and humbling.”
She reflected on her achievements over the years, noting that she has won awards, travelled extensively, and performed for thousands of fans on some of the biggest stages across the world.
Seyi Shay also acknowledged her imperfections, admitting that some people may have experienced her as rude, stubborn, or difficult in the past. With maturity and self-reflection, she said she now understands the origins of some of those perceptions.
The singer spoke candidly about stepping away from the spotlight in recent years, describing it as a necessary period of self-discovery. Becoming a mother, she explained, forced her to slow down and look inward, shaping her into a “softer, more tender, and more aware” version of herself.
She highlighted motherhood as a defining chapter of her life, calling her daughter her “greatest teacher.”
According to Shay, her child has taught her patience, kindness, love, generosity, and the importance of being truly present. She described her daughter as the “real MVP” and a constant reminder that there is always a second chance and another tomorrow.
The singer also expressed gratitude to those who have stood by her over the years. She thanked her fans for their loyalty, her friends and family for loving her through every phase of her life, and offered a sincere apology to anyone she may have hurt or offended, knowingly or unknowingly.
She concluded her message with optimism, toasting to growth and new beginnings as she embraces a new chapter. “Here’s to a new phase, and a deeper version of me. Happy birthday to me,” she wrote.
Seyi Shay rose to prominence with hit songs such as Right Now, Yolo Yolo, and Gimme Love, and has remained one of Nigeria’s most recognized voices on major African stages. She welcomed her first child in 2022.
