On-Air Host ShaySayss Talks Maintaining Your Faith & Integrity in Entertainment

In an inspiring dialogue with ShaySayss, on-air host for Kirk Franklin Praise’s The Resound at Sirius XM, we explore her extraordinary journey rooted in faith. From its impact on her career, her advocacy for diversity, and her dedication to maintaining integrity in the entertainment industry, this interview offers an intimate glimpse into how faith can shape and nurture personal growth and identity in different areas of life.

From Church to the Airwaves

Navigating the entertainment industry can be both demanding and rewarding. For Shay, her journey mirrors the highs and lows many face in media, but her commitment to Christ has been the anchor through her tougher moments.

Shay's path began in the church choir, a place that nurtured her love for music. "I grew up singing in church and competing in gospel competitions," she recalls. This early foundation eventually led her to the McDonald's Gospelfest stage—a long-standing staple in the Christian community where gospel greats and emerging talents come together to celebrate Black faith and music and unite generations of community and family.

Thinking back on her career journey, Shay shares, "When I first started in the industry, I was just trying to navigate what I wanted to do. Whether I wanted to work in television or radio." Her time at Brooklyn College played a pivotal role in shaping her path. "They had a radio club there, and because of that, I kind of always stuck in radio... I wanted to venture out into television more for the on-air personality capacity, but radio started video as well. So, it was pretty cool to navigate that transition." This dual exposure allowed Shay to explore different facets of the industry, leading to significant opportunities on-air, including her role with Kirk Franklin Praise.

However, even once she landed her on-air role, Shay admits, "I was dabbling in entertainment, hip-hop, R&B... I was having a hard time trying to find my identity in the different genres I was working in. I enjoyed it, but Kirk Franklin Praise felt like God calling me to be there." This realization underscored her belief that divine purpose is your best guide, even when the path seems unclear.

Before The Break-Through

Ahead of landing her current role, Shay worked for ViacomCBS where her confidence of making it to the media industry felt more real than ever, "Nobody could tell me nothing.". However, life took an unexpected turn during the pandemic when Shay faced the harsh reality of a layoff from Viacom. "It was quiet for me," she recounts. "No one reached out, no one was checking in on me." Yet, amid the silence of the world, Shay found solace in the profound connection she felt with God. "It was loud for me when it came to God," she emphasizes. "I'm going to talk to God, he's talking to me. He's letting me know what my purpose is."

Through prayer and introspection, Shay rediscovered her purpose and found her way to hosting "The Resound" at Kirk Franklin Praise on SXM. "I'm going to be representing him," Shay affirms. "I'm going to be walking in confidence." Despite her initial reservations about her ability to relate to scripture, Shay realized that her journey was about tapping into a different audience—a path aligned with her newfound identity and faith.

Bringing Value to Work

With a renewed sense of purpose in her role at SiriusXM, Shay's mission became clear: to educate her colleagues about the cultural significance of gospel music. "I'm trying to educate my team... if Jonathan McReynolds is coming, this is huge," she explains. Shay's efforts aim to elevate gospel music beyond its niche perception, emphasizing its relevance and influence across diverse audiences.

In an industry fixated on pop culture, championing overlooked genres like gospel and Caribbean music can feel like an uphill battle against prevailing biases. "When I first started, I was told our main genres are country, rock, and pop," Shay says. "But we have all these channels—we have a Bob Marley channel, we have Kirk Franklin. These are the giants of their genres." She believes she has a duty to educate her team about the cultural relevance and growth potential of these genres; and consider thinking about how big artists are in their own genres, not just in terms of mainstream appeal.

Shay passionately elaborates, "That's literally what I'm trying to bring to the table right now. For example, KES is one of the biggest Soca artists from Trinidad. Even if you're not a fan of the genre, you should understand that there are people who are really loyal to these genres. They have longevity and great brand loyalty."

Expanding the Reach of Her Platform

Beyond her current role, Shay dreams of broadening her platform to include diverse voices and discussions on faith, entertainment, and identity. "I don't want to be boxed in just as gospel," she asserts. Her ideal interviews would feature personalities like Tamron Hall, Gia Peppers, and Dr. Anita Phillips. "Tamron Hall's journey to daytime talk is something I aspire to. Gia Peppers balances faith and entertainment so well. And Dr. Anita Phillips, an author and therapist, offers deep, faith-based insights." These inspirations fuel Shay's desire to make a difference for a new generation of Christian listeners.

Blocking Out the Haters

To speak to this new generation of listeners you have to cut through the noise. There will be times that you’ll be met with condescension or dismissal. During these moments, Shay turns to her faith. "When people try to belittle you or make you feel like the weirdo of the group, I have conversations with God," she shares. "A lot of the industry is based on pride and ego. I remind myself to relax, to set aside my pride, and to remember that God has dealt with so many challenging people. Jesus faced betrayal and false friends, yet he gave his all to everyone."

As a journalist and interviewer, Shay must adapt to a variety of personalities. "I never know what personality I'm going to deal with, but I always figure out how to maneuver," she says. This adaptability is guided by her focus on emulating Christ. "I think to myself, 'What would Jesus do?' and try my best to show kindness, even when I'm tired."

Even when she slips up, Shay remains committed to repentance and self-improvement. "There are times when I mess up, and I go home feeling remorseful," she shares. "I pray, asking God for forgiveness, and strive to live as Jesus did."

Faith as a Guiding Light

Through prayer and Scripture, she navigates life's transitions with grace and resilience. Shay shares the scripture, Matthew 5:16: "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." This verse has been a cornerstone for her, especially during her periods of unemployment and introspection. "I always told myself, even when I was younger, that I want to bring joy to people," Shay reflects. "People have often reminded me that I'm a light, and that scripture helped me embrace it."

Embracing her light means standing firm in her beliefs, even in challenging environments. "I believe in God, and I'm comfortable stating that, even if others talk about the universe or other beliefs," Shay asserts. Her willingness to be steadfast in her faith serves as an inspiration to those around her to embrace their own identities and beliefs.