[1][15][16] In an interview with This Day's Lanre Odukoya, Shay said her mother wanted her to become a doctor or lawyer and wasn't a staunch supporter of her musical ambitions.

The group signed a record deal with Mathew Knowles' management company after performing for him, and were taken to Houston to undergo energetic vocal and dance trainings.

[17][18] The group later disbanded and Shay had an opportunity to continue her management deal with Mathew Knowles, as well as secure a recording contract with Sony.

Shay 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.

[6] Shay wrote and produced three songs for the soundtrack to Konami's video game Crime Life: Gang Wars (2005).

[1][21] Shay was also introduced to Cecil Hammond, who signed her to his record label, Flytime Music, and launched her solo 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.

[22][23] On 27 July 2012, Shay released the album's lead single "Irawo", which was produced by Del B and originally titled "Erawo".

The song's music video was directed by Clarence Peters and uploaded to YouTube on 3 June 2013, at a total length of 3 minutes and 47 seconds.

[14] Shay has been featured on songs released by several artists, including Praiz, Mr. Walz, Yung Grey C, and Amir.

[30] In August 2013, she released the album's second single "Killin' Me Softly", which features vocals by Timaya and was written and produced by Del B.

[37] At Darey's Love Like a Movie concert on February 15, 2014, Shay shared the stage with Kelly Rowland, D'banj, Tiwa Savage, Mo' Eazy, Zaina, Timi Dakolo, Waje, Muna, JJC, and Eva Alordiah.

[39] On 1 April 2014, Shay released the Dokta Frabz-produced single "Murda", which features additional vocals by Patoranking and Shaydee.

[40] In a review for Jaguda, music critic Aribaba awarded the song a rating of 9 out of 10, commending Shay for using a familiar line.

On 2 February 2021, MultiChoice Nigeria appointed Shay to serve as judge on the sixth season of Nigerian Idol.

[49] During the show's audition in March 2021, Shay was criticized for comments she made about Mayowa "Tohrus" Odueyungbo, who was one of the contestants.

Shay has cited her mother, Mathew Knowles, 2face Idibia, Beyoncé, Tina Turner, Sound Sultan, Wizkid, and Omawumi as mentors.