Accra: Ghanaian singer Wendy Shay has opened up about her formative years in Germany and how a pivotal experience contributed to her pursuit of a music career. The Shay Gang leader recalled her move from Ghana to Germany at the age of 14, undertaken to reunite with her mother.
According to Ghana Web, Wendy Shay described the emotional transition of moving to Germany, expressing joy at the prospect of living with her mother again, after years of separation. Her journey began in Frankfurt, where her mother picked her up after a flight from Ghana, during which a German passenger assisted her with flight protocols, including fastening her seatbelt.
Wendy Shay adapted quickly to her new environment, mainly through learning the German language via television shows and daily interactions. She shared that her stage name, "Shay," was inspired by the TV show iCarly, from which she drew inspiration to be the main character in her own life.
Her passion for music remained strong despite Germany's lesser focus on entertainment compared to Ghana. A significant turning point occurred when a mayor in her town discovered her singing talent and awarded her a music scholarship. Wendy Shay spent four and a half years in music school, honing her vocal abilities and learning to play the piano.
Following her music education, she trained as a nurse in Germany before committing to a professional music career. Wendy Shay noted the connection between nursing and music in her life, both reflecting her desire to help others. Her experiences across cultures also led her to learn Pidgin English upon returning to Ghana, facilitating better communication within the music industry.