Ghanaian Afrobeat singer, Wendy Shay
Ghanaian Afrobeat singer, Wendy Asiamah Addo, popularly known as Wendy Shay, has revealed that her mother once urged her to quit music due to intense online bullying.
Speaking on a podcast, the ‘Stevie Wonder’ hitmaker shared how the early days of her music career were marred by harsh criticism and trolling on social media.
She noted that the pressure did not only affect her personally but also took a toll on her family, especially her mother, who suggested she return to Germany and leave music behind.
“My mum told me to quit and go back to Germany because it was crazy. It affected everyone in my family. Even some of my relatives were embarrassed to be associated with me at that time,” she said.
Wendy recounted how critics accused her of trying to replace the late Ebony Reigns, with some even altering her images online to mock her appearance.
“My face was literally turned into an old woman on the internet. They laughed at me, said I wasn’t talented. It was brutal. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy, but in a strange way, it built me,” she reflected.
Despite the backlash, Wendy Shay said she persevered and eventually turned the negativity into motivation.
She then went on to become one of Ghana’s most-streamed female artistes and amassed numerous accolades.
“Even in all that heat, I still had people who loved my music. Every time they ranked the most-streamed female artistes, I was number one. That’s why I kept dropping hits and winning awards. I won about 14 awards in just six months. So, the pressure came with success,” she added.
FG/EB
