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Tag: Omah Lay

  • I won’t tolerate disrespect toward my artists – Tems’, Omah Lay’s manager warns

    I won’t tolerate disrespect toward my artists – Tems’, Omah Lay’s manager warns

    Muyiwa Awoniyi, manager of Nigerian music stars Tems, Omah Lay (Stanley), and Lekan, has issued a strong warning to critics, stating that he will not tolerate any form of disrespect towards his artists.

    In a post shared on X, Awoniyi said while he is unbothered by personal insults, any attack directed at Tems, Omah Lay, or Lekan will not be taken lightly.

    “Said it before and I’ll say it again. Insulting me? I’m fine with it. But if you insult Temi, Stanley or Lekan? We will have a problem. ‘Till next time, bye for now,” he wrote.

    Read Also: Tems slams critics over body physique 

    His statement follows Tems’ recent backlash against critics who have repeatedly made inappropriate comments about her physique, especially her buttocks.

  • I didn’t get Tems, Omah Lay arrested in Uganda – Bebe Cool

    I didn’t get Tems, Omah Lay arrested in Uganda – Bebe Cool

    Ugandan singer Bebe Cool has denied allegations that he facilitated the arrest of Nigerian singers Tems and Omah Lay in Uganda in 2020. 

    The two artists were detained for performing at a concert that violated COVID-19 social distancing regulations.

    In a recent interview on Afrobeats podcast, Bebe Cool recounted his version of events, stating that he was actually instrumental in advocating for the artists’ release.

    He claimed to have received a call about the arrest, made inquiries, and subsequently visited the police station to intervene on their behalf.

    Bebe Cool said: “I didn’t get Tems and Omah Lay arrested in Uganda. It’s very difficult when the internet pick on story in a direction.

    “I was sleeping around 3am when a friend called me to inform that the Nigerian artists had been arrested. I got the details from him and then I started making my calls.

    “So, by 6 O’clock in the morning, I went to the police station and spoke to the DPC, the head of the police station and he confirmed that they had arrested Tems and Omah Lay. I told him, ‘Why did you go to arrest the artistes because the artistes are not in charge of the show. The president has given an allowance of 200 people but the artistes don’t control the number of attendees. So why arrest them?’

    “The DPC told me that I should go and speak with his superior. But as I was speaking to the DPC, the show promoter saw me and started saying, “That’s the guy. That guy is the reason that you are in prison. The promoter was accusing me of facilitating the arrests because two weeks before that event when they started advertising it, the artistes in Uganda, we were totally mad at the government because we’ve been shut down from performing for over a year and half.

    Read Also: Omah Lay hails Davido as a legend, announces upcoming collaboration

    “Not even I, who is pro-government could even perform for even a 100 people. So, everyone was tweeting. We as artistes decided to tweet to the government so that they can allow us to do small gigs. We were saying if you allow Tems and Omah Lay to perform in Uganda, then allow us to do gigs, too. So because it’s Babe Cool, my tweets went viral.

    “When I went to the police station, I only put in words for the two artistes who were arrested. The show promoter was also arrested but I didn’t appeal for her release which didn’t sit down well with her. I left the police station to the head office to meet with the big boss and as I was waiting, I saw on my phone that the Nigerian artists had been arraigned before the court. I made a call to the DPC and said, ‘I just left, I’m waiting for the big man to come so that we can discuss and you went behind me and took the artistes to court?’ He explained to me that when I left the promoter lady made a mess and was bragging about how her mother had connections to the president.”

  • Rema, Omah Lay, Asake, others to headline Promise Land Festival

    Rema, Omah Lay, Asake, others to headline Promise Land Festival

    The anticipated Promise Land festival has unveiled its 2024 lineup, featuring a powerhouse of Nigerian talent, including Rema, Asake, and Omah Lay.

    The three-day festival, set to take place between October 4 and 6, 2024, at Doug Jennings Park in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

    Read Also; Peter Obi, wife not arrested by DSS, says aide

    Rema, known for his chart-topping hits, will take the stage on the second day, sharing the spotlight with international acts Jorja Smith, Miguel, and Fiji.

    Asake and Omah Lay will close out the festival on the final day, performing alongside hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes.

    Joining the Nigerian headliners are a talented array of artists from the continent, including Compozers, Sarz, Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi, Tiwa Savage, Victony, Ruger, and BNXN.

    Ghana’s Black Sherif, King Promise, and South Africa’s DBN Gogo, Major League DJz, Young Stunna, and Uncle Waffles will also bring their unique sounds to the festival.

  • I am happy fans tag my genre ‘Afro-Depression’ – Omah Lay

    I am happy fans tag my genre ‘Afro-Depression’ – Omah Lay

    Singer Omah Lay has expressed his delight with the “Afro-Depression” label given to his music by fans.

    In a recent interview with Billboard, Omah Lay stated that the tag indicates that listeners understand and relate to his music without needing an explanation.

    Omah Lay’s music, known for its emotional and sentimental elements, explores themes of pain, hurt, loneliness, and struggles with fame.

    Read Also: FG says CNG vehicles ‘ll reduce cost of transportation

    His debut album “Boy Alone” and hit record “Soso” exemplify this melancholic sound, earning his music the “Afro-Depression” tag.

    The singer views this movement as a testament to his ability to create music that resonates with the world, saying: “I definitely love it. I love that I started a new movement and my music started something new that I didn’t have to come out and tell people that my music is ‘Afro- Depression’. My fans made it up and I didn’t have to explain. It’s great to witness that I can just make music and the world can decide what it’s and it becomes a movement.”

  • Fellow singers copy my style, Omah Lay claims

    Fellow singers copy my style, Omah Lay claims

    Afrobeats singer Omah Lay has claimed that his colleagues from Nigeria and beyond are imitating his style.

    He said that he pioneered a new sound within Afrobeats that some singers now emulate. 

    “The artists coming out from Nigeria right now, not just Nigeria but afrobeats in general are taking a bit of my stuff, the stuff I started, everybody tryna copy something”, he said in an interview with Billboard.

    Read Also: Omah Lay explains why he changes his personality every year

    Omah Lay also expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of Afrobeats, accusing pioneers of the genre of “watering it down” to appeal to foreign audiences and increase their earnings.

    He specifically criticised the infiltration of Amapiano, a South African genre, into Afrobeats clubs, saying it’s rare to hear a proper Afrobeats song anymore.

    “I don’t think I am happy with what the pioneers of Afrobeats are doing right now. The front guys are watering it down by just chasing the bags.

    “I can’t remember the last time I heard a proper Afrobeats Song. It’s now Amapiano in Afrobeats clubs, not a proper Afrobeats song,” he lamented.

  • Omah Lay explains why he changes his personality every year

    Omah Lay explains why he changes his personality every year

    Afrobeat singer, Omah Lay, has expressed his feelings about the numerous betrayals he has faced in his life and career.

    In a post on X, he revealed that the experiences have led him to change his personality every year.

    He wrote: “Y’all done me wrong so many times, I change my personality every year.”

    The “Soso” crooner also shared that his upcoming album, “Clarity of Mind”, is centered around his journey of healing and moving forward.

    Read Also: Afrobeat not in safe hands, says Omah Lay

    He admitted that his mind has been his “worst nightmare” and is now learning to navigate it.

    “Healing & moving on. My mind is my worst nightmare, I’m now learning my way around it,” the singer said.

    This followed Omah Lay’s recent revelation that a colleague had stolen his album concept, prompting him to re-record the entire project.

  • Afrobeat not in safe hands, says Omah Lay

    Afrobeat not in safe hands, says Omah Lay

    Afrobeat singer Omah Lay has expressed concerns about the state of the Afrobeats genre. 

    He said that it’s being compromised by commercialisation and foreign influence. 

    In a recent interview on the Zach Sang Show, Omah Lay lamented that the genre is no longer in safe hands, with many artists prioritising financial gain over passion and authenticity.

    He attributed the problem to the lucrative nature of Afrobeats, stating that the influx of money is leading artists to focus on making commercially viable music rather than creating from the heart. 

    “There is too much money in Afrobeats. Afrobeats artists are just trying to grab the money.

    “I believe people are messing Afrobeats up. I also believe it is becoming very commercial. Right now, I don’t believe Afrobeats is in safe hands,” he said. 

    Omah Lay’s comments echo the sentiments of Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton, who recently described Afrobeats as “f*ckery” and lacking substance.

  • Growing up in Nigeria made me strong, unique – Omah Lay

    Growing up in Nigeria made me strong, unique – Omah Lay

    Afrobeat star Omah Lay has shared his experiences growing up in Nigeria and how family has contributed to his success.

    In a recent interview on the Zach Sang Show, Omah Lay described his childhood in Nigeria as “beautiful” and credited his humble beginnings with making him strong and unique.

    He stated that his experiences and resources have been shaped by his upbringing, allowing him to approach life and music from a distinct perspective.

    “It was beautiful growing up in Nigeria, where you have less,” Omah Lay said. “Now that I have more, I can use my experiences and resources in ways that people who have always had more might not. In my opinion, it makes you very strong and unique,” he said.

    When asked about his parents’ pride, Omah Lay expressed heartfelt gratitude for his mother’s unwavering support and love.

    He acknowledged that her trust and encouragement serve as his motivation and fuel.

    “My mum is very proud, she knows I love her so much and she loves me so much too. Her love for me is my fuel and I just look back at her and see how far we’ve come, my energy doesn’t die. She’s very proud of me and she trusts me and my decisions. She trusts that I’m going to be a very awesome human being and that keeps me going, it’s very motivating”, he said.

    Read Also: I don’t feel loved despite having family, fans – Omah Lay

    The singer also discussed his family’s musical background, revealing that his father played the drums and his grandfather was a percussionist for legendary high-life singers.

    According to him, his musical heritage has played a significant role in his own journey as a musician, validating his passion and talent.

    “My dad played the drums, not professionally, though but he played on the chairs, in the dining room, and stuff. My granddad used to be a percussionist, he played for some legendary high-life singers in his day and I think that is part of where my whole music thing came from. Growing up and realising that your granddad was a percussionist, it’s another validating fact that I was born a musician,” he said.

  • How an artist made an album with my idea – Omah Lay

    How an artist made an album with my idea – Omah Lay

    Afrobeat singer Omah Lay has opened up about a disheartening experience with a fellow musician.

    In an interview with Zach Sang Show, Omah Lay revealed that he shared an idea with a popular artist he admires, hoping to collaborate on a project.

    However, the artist ended up using Omah Lay’s concept to create an entire album, forcing him  to remake his own album.

    Omah Lay described the incident as a setback but expressed determination to create something even better.

    Read Also: I don’t feel loved despite having family, fans – Omah Lay

    Although Omah Lay didn’t disclose the name of the artist, he expressed his disappointment and frustration at having his idea stolen. 

    “Holy Ghost is a new movement, I was going to make the whole album with the new sound, but along the line, I changed my mind, and I decided to. I shared an idea with a certain artist, and the artist went ahead and put up an album with my idea, and I had to go back and record my album.

    “I had an idea to do something with sound, and he came to me and asked me and it is an artist that I love. So, I decided to collaborate and show him where I was heading with Afrobeat and five months later, he put up an album with the same sound that I shared with him. So, I had to go back and remake my album, which would be the greatest album of all time probably in history,” he said.

  • I don’t feel loved despite having family, fans – Omah Lay

    I don’t feel loved despite having family, fans – Omah Lay

    Afrobeats singer Omah Lay has shared his struggles in the music industry, revealing that he often feels unloved and unappreciated by the media and the industry gatekeepers.

    He said that despite having a supportive fan base, family, and team, he feels isolated and disconnected from the industry.

    In an interview with Amazon Music, he confessed to living in a “fantasy world” 90 percent of the time to escape the harsh realities of his experiences.

    He said: “I have my fans, family, and team but I don’t feel loved especially by the media and the people who call themselves the gatekeepers.

    Read Also: Akpabio: Senator Ubah was a pillar in 10th Senate

    “This is something I’ve never talked about. I’m that artist that lives in a fantasy world. I just live in my head 90 percent of the time.”

    Additionally, Omah Lay spoke about the challenges of being a Nigerian artist, particularly when travelling with a Nigerian passport.

    He described the cruel treatment he receives from immigration officers, who, according to him, changed their behaviour when they recognised him as a famous artist.

    “Travelling especially being a Nigerian and having a Nigerian passport, I have just seen the cruelty of the world so much

    “The immigration officers often maltreat me once they see the Nigerian passport until they realise that I’m Omah Lay that’s when the treatment changes”, he added.