Feeling incredibly fortunate is NE-YO, who has embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly. Known as Shaffer Chimere Smith, the singer of “Let Me Love You” proudly shares his life with seven children. His first daughter, Madilyn Grace, was born in 2010, followed by son Mason Evan in 2011, with Monyetta Shaw-Carter, his former fiancée and a star of Real Housewives of Atlanta.
After parting ways with Monyetta, NE-YO entered a new chapter by marrying Crystal Renay. Together, they welcomed three children before their divorce in January 2023: Shaffer Chimere Jr. arrived in 2016, Roman Alexander-Raj followed in 2018, and Isabella Rose joined the family in 2021.
NE-YO shared that his children are his best critics, helping shape his music by offering feedback on new songs
His youngest children, Braiden and Brixton, were born in 2021 and 2023 to influencer Sade Jenea Bagnerise. Reflecting on his journey into fatherhood, NE-YO shared with PEOPLE in September 2011, “It has been a ride, but I’m loving every minute of it.”
The R&B star noted that his children have contributed to his music career. He mentioned to PEOPLE in 2021, “I don’t know about any other entertainers and their kids, but my kids actually dig my music. They’re the best critics I could ask for.”
He elaborated, “I usually run a song by them, and if they respond positively, I know I’m on the right track.” Here’s an overview of NE-YO’s seven children: Madilyn, Mason, Shaffer Jr., Roman, Isabella, Braiden, and Brixton.
Madilyn Grace Shaw-Smith is currently 13 years old. Born on November 12, 2010, Madilyn Grace Shaw-Smith is the first child of NE-YO and Monyetta. After her arrival, the singer-songwriter expressed to PEOPLE, “I’ve been in love before, but this feels like nothing I’ve ever felt. It’s like I’m experiencing love for the first time.”
In 2012, he honored her with the song “Alone With You (Maddie’s Song)” and, for National Daughters Day in 2019, he described Madilyn on Instagram as “one of the few things I’ve gotten right on the very first try.”
Celebrating her in a 2021 birthday post, NE-YO characterized Madilyn as “a leader, an incredible big sister,” and highlighted her intelligence, talent, compassion, beauty, boldness, and cleverness.
To mark her 13th birthday in November 2023, both Monyetta and NE-YO organized a joint party for her and her brother Mason. NE-YO took to Instagram to express his pride in her milestone, stating, “Words cannot describe how proud I am to be your dad.”
He added, “The world may attempt to break your spirit and dictate who you should be. But I know how strong and smart you are. Shine on, my love. If anything ever shakes you, remember that Dad will ALWAYS be here to support you.”
Madilyn runs a joint Instagram account and YouTube channel with her younger brother Mason. Mason Evan Shaw-Smith is also 13 years old. Born on October 9, 2011, NE-YO and Monyetta welcomed their son Mason Evan Shaw-Smith.
His mother’s 2020 book, The Chronicles of Nice Guy Maso, which explores how a boy’s kindness becomes his superpower, was inspired by him, according to the book’s website. In a lighthearted Instagram video, NE-YO humorously claimed responsibility for Mason’s talents in singing and dancing.
The “Miss Independent” singer affectionately referred to Mason as “really funny” and “a super nice guy.” In 2021, Mason debuted his first music video for the theme song “Nice Guy, Good Guy,” featuring him dancing and singing alongside his dad and sister.
Celebrating Mason’s 12th birthday in October 2023, NE-YO shared a heartfelt photo on Instagram. “One of the joys of my existence is watching your personality bloom. You’re funny, smart, and talented, but more importantly, you’re a genuinely good person,” he wrote in the caption. “You always want to help others not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do.”
He concluded with, “You’re a classy lil’ dude, and I’m proud to be your dad!” Shaffer Chimere “SJ” Smith Jr. is now 8 years old. NE-YO and Crystal celebrated the arrival of their first child, Shaffer Chimere “SJ” Smith Jr., on March 15, 2016, shortly after their wedding.
At just 5 months old, Shaffer made his red carpet debut at the Teen Choice Awards. Sharing a public Instagram account with his younger siblings, Shaffer’s account once posted a photo captioned, “Daddy came home just in time to take me to school for the first time yesterday! 🤗 He’s the best dad ever!”
In 2019, he joined his dad and siblings at the NAACP Image Awards, with their account posting photos and declaring, “Our dad is the coolest😎 We love you!” When Shaffer graduated from preschool in 2021, NE-YO proudly shared a photo of him in a cap and gown on Instagram. “Proud of you, lil’ man,” he wrote. “Daddy loves you!”
Roman Alexander-Raj Smith is currently 6 years old. Born on June 14, 2018, NE-YO and Crystal welcomed Roman Alexander-Raj Smith. When they announced Roman’s impending arrival, Crystal expressed gratitude on Instagram, writing, “I thank you for choosing us to be your parents!”
The Sound of Christmas actor revealed to PEOPLE in 2021 that his son Roman is his “favorite Father’s Day gift of all time.” He shared, “He was born three years ago on Father’s Day — that’s the greatest one so far.”
In June 2023, NE-YO celebrated Roman’s 5th birthday by posting photos on Instagram showing his son at play. “HAPPY BDAY TO MY LIL’ THUG!! Daddy loves you, Roman!!” he wrote.
Isabella Rose Smith is 3 years old. In February 2021, NE-YO and Crystal announced their third child was on the way. Their daughter, Isabella Rose Smith, made her entrance on June 25, 2021. Crystal shared on Instagram, “She came 4 weeks early but right on time for mommy! Born at 11:11 am (lucky lil’ lady) 5 lbs 7 oz of perfection 🥺🥰 My world is finally complete.”
In another post from June 2021, Crystal affectionately referred to Isabella as her “daddy’s twin.” For Isabella’s 2nd birthday, NE-YO dedicated a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing, “GOD, I THANK YOU FOR BLESSING ME WITH THIS LIL’ BUNDLE OF ENERGY AND ATTITUDE. I LOVE YOU, MY LIL’ PRINCESS!! HAPPY BDAY BELLA BELLA!! DADDY LOVES YOU!!”
Braiden and Brixton Smith are his youngest sons. NE-YO welcomed his sons Braiden and Brixton Smith with Sade in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
For Mother’s Day in 2023, he shared an Instagram post featuring his mom, sister, and the three mothers of his children: Monyetta, Crystal, and Sade. In July of the same year, he posted a heartfelt family photo on Instagram with all seven of his children, cradling Braiden and Brixton.
In his caption, he emphasized, “I’m a FATHER before I’m anything else. Not money, not fame, not even the love of the craft. I’m nowhere near perfect, and that’s okay. My kids love me… The best thing I’ve ever done.”
