The Story of NE-YO’s Seven Children: His Sons and Daughters

NE-YO has seven children from three previous relationships: Madilyn, Mason, Shaffer Jr., Roman, Isabella, Braiden, and Brixton.

NE-YO’s children make him feel “blessed.”

The “Let Me Love You” singer, born Shaffer Chimere Smith, is the delighted dad of seven children. He welcomed his first daughter Madilyn Grace in 2010 and son Mason Evan in 2011, with his former fiancée, Real Housewives of Atlanta actress Monyetta Shaw-Carter.

Following his breakup with the reality star, NE-YO wed Crystal Renay. The duo had three children before they formalized their divorce in January 2023: Shaffer Chimere Jr. was born in 2016, Roman Alexander-Raj joined the family in 2018 and Isabella Rose was welcomed in 2021.

Influencer Sade Jenea Bagnerise gave birth to the Grammy winner’s youngest children, Braiden and Brixton, in 2021 and 2023, respectively.

NE-YO said to PEOPLE in September 2011 that “[Fatherhood] have been a ride, but I’m loving every minute of it.”

The R&B singer claims that his kids have even supported him in his work. “I don’t know about any other entertainers and their kids, but my kids actually dig my music,” he stated to PEOPLE in 2021. “They’re actually the best people to get critiques on my music from.”

“Normally I’ll run a song by them, and if they like it, I know I’m going in the right direction,” the Masked Singer winner went on.

The seven children of NE-YO, Madilyn, Mason, Shaffer Jr., Roman, Isabella, Braiden, and Brixton, are all covered in this article.

On November 12, 2010, Madilyn Grace Shaw-Smith was welcomed by NE-YO and Monyetta.

Following the birth of his daughter, the singer-songwriter told PEOPLE, “I’ve been in love before, but this feels like nothing I’ve ever felt.” “As if this is my first time falling in love.”

In a 2019 Instagram post honoring National Daughters Day, NE-YO noted that his firstborn was “one of the few things I’ve gotten right on the very 1st try.” The artist also dedicated his 2012 song “Alone With You (Maddie’s Song)” to his oldest kid.

In an Instagram birthday post from 2021, he called Madilyn “a leader, an incredible big sister,” in addition to “smart, talented, compassionate, beautiful, bold,” and “clever.”

In November 2023, Monyetta and NE-YO threw a combined party for the adolescent and her brother Mason in honor of her 13th birthday. “The words to express how proud I am to be your dad don’t even exist,” the father-of-seven wrote in an Instagram post to mark her milestone.

“The world is going to try to break your spirit and tell you what to be,” he said. If I didn’t know how intelligent and strong you are, I would be concerned. Glory to them, my dear. And you can be sure that your father will always be there to support you if something ever does shock you.”

Mason, Madilyn’s younger brother, has a YouTube channel and an Instagram account.

On October 9, 2011, NE-YO and Monyetta welcomed their son Mason Evan Shaw-Smith.

His mother used him as inspiration for her 2020 book, The Chronicles of Nice Guy Maso, which, according to the book’s website, “demonstrates what happens when one boy’s kindness becomes his unassuming superpower.”

In an Instagram video promoting the book at the time, NE-YO joked that his son’s aptitude for singing and dancing might be due to him.

Mason was also called “a super nice guy” and “really funny” by the “Miss. Independent” vocalist.

The book’s theme song, “Nice Guy, Good Guy,” had its first music video released in 2021 by NE-YO’s eldest kid. Mason performs songs and dances with his father and sister in the video.

In October 2023, NE-YO shared a picture of himself and his firstborn son on Instagram to commemorate becoming 12 years old. It gives me great pleasure to witness the development of your individuality. The singer stated in the caption, “You’re obviously funny, intelligent, and talented, but above all of those things, you’re a genuinely good person.” “A constant desire to assist those in need. Not in exchange for anything. nonetheless, as it’s the morally correct thing to do.”

He said, “You’re a classy lil’ dude and I’m proud to be your dad!!”

NE-YO and Crystal welcomed their first kid together, Shaffer Chimere “SJ” Smith Jr., on March 15, 2016, three weeks after being married.

Shaffer’s parents took him to his first red carpet appearance at the Teen Choice Awards when he was just five months old.

Shaffer shares a public Instagram account with his younger brother and sister, much like his older siblings do. The account shared a photo of Shaffer and NE-YO in 2018 along with the remark, “Daddy arrived home in time to take me to school yesterday! 🤗 He’s the best dad ever!”

In 2019, Shaffer went to the NAACP Image Awards with his father and brothers. The children shared photos from the occasion on their Instagram account. The caption said, “Our dad is the coolest😎 We love you!”

Shaffer Jr.’s preschool graduation in 2021. On Instagram, NE-YO posted a picture of his youngster decked up in a gown and headgear. “Proud of you lil’ man,” he captioned the photo. “You are loved by Daddy!”

On June 14, 2018, Roman Alexander-Raj Smith was welcomed by NE-YO and Crystal.

I thank you for selecting us to be your parents! Crystal said beside a photo of herself and NE-YO when the musician and his then-wife revealed they were expecting their second child together.

Roman, the actor from Sound of Christmas, was declared by PEOPLE in 2021 to be his “favorite Father’s Day gift of all time.” He said, “He was born three years ago on Father’s Day — that’s the greatest one so far.”

NE-YO honored Roman’s fifth birthday in June 2023 by sharing two pictures of his son having fun on Instagram. GLORIOUS BIRTHDAY TO MY LITTLE THUG! Roman, Daddy loves you!” the singer captioned the photo.

In February 2021, NE-YO and Crystal revealed that they were expecting their third child together.

Isabella Rose Smith, the couple’s daughter, was born on June 25, 2021. “She arrived four weeks ahead of schedule for her mother!” From the delivery room, Crystal wrote a caption for a since-deleted Instagram photo. “My world is finally complete. Born at 11:11 am (lucky little lady), 5 lbs 7 oz of perfection 🥺🥰.”

A different June 2021 Instagram post from the happy mother referred to Isabella as her “daddy’s twin.”

NE-YO honored his younger daughter on Instagram for her second birthday. He captioned the photo, saying, “GOD I THANK YOU FOR BLESSING ME WITH THIS LITTLE BUNDLE OF ENERGY AND ATTITUDE.” I cherish you, my little princess! Bella Bella, happy birthday! YOU ARE LOVED BY DADDY!”

Smith, Braiden, and Brixton

In 2021 and 2023, respectively, NE-YO welcomed his kids Braiden and Brixton Smith with Sade.

On Mother’s Day in 2023, NE-YO posted pictures of his mother, sister, and the three “beautiful mothers of my beautiful children:” Sade, Monyetta, and Crystal, on Instagram.

The musician shared a picture of himself holding Braiden and Brixton on his lap on Instagram in July of that same year, along with seven other youngsters.

“Before all things, I am a father. Not fame, not cash, nor even passion for the work,” he captioned the photo. “I’m not flawless, and that’s okay. My children adore me. The finest action I have ever taken.”