Omah Lay

Nigerian singer (born 1997)

Omah Lay

Omah Lay in 2023

Background information
Birth name| Stanley Omah Didia
Born|  (1997-05-19) 19 May 1997 (age 27)
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Genres|

* Afrobeats
* R&B
* Afro fusion

Occupations|

* Singer
* songwriter
* record producer

Years active| 2019–present
Labels| Sire, KeyQaad, Warner Records
Website| www.omahlay.com

Musical artist

Stanley Omah Didia (born 19 May 1997), known professionally as Omah Lay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. Lay gained international prominence with his singles "Understand," "Attention," and "Soso". He has won numerous awards including Headies in 2020 and 2023.

## Early life

[edit]

Lay was born 19 May 1997[1] and raised in city of Port Harcourt in Nigeria.[2] He attended Comprehensive High School in Rivers State before proceeding to the University of Port Harcourt.[3] Lay comes from a musical family. His grandfather played instruments for the singer Celestine Ukwu before he died in 1977. Lay's father played the drums.[4]

## Career

[edit]

### Early career; Get Layd and What Have We Done

[edit]

Lay began his career in a rap group where he went by the stage name "Lil King." At 16, he moved on to songwriting and producing for severals artists. He went solo in 2019 with the release of "Do Not Disturb" and "Hello Brother".[1] The same year, he signed to the record label named KeyQaad[2][5] and began working on Get Layd, his debut EP. In an interview withd OkayAfrica, Lay stated, "I started working on it August [of 2019]. At some point I had to go off social media, stay away from a lot of things and keep my head straight to get the project right."[6]

In 2020, Lay released the singles "Bad Influence" and "You," two songs from the Get Layd EP.[7] "Bad Influence" became the most streamed Nigerian song on Apple Music at the end of 2020.[8] His Get Layd EP peaked at number one on the Nigerian Apple Music charts.[2] All five songs from the EP reached the top 15 of the Apple Music charts for Nigeria, with "You" peaking at number one.[9] The same year he also appeared on the song "Infinity" on the Olamide's album Carpe Diem, which topped the Apple Music charts in Nigeria.[10]

On 3 July 2020, Lay was the first artist highlighted for Apple's Africa Rising Campaign to spotlight African talent.[11][12] In December 2020, he was included in BBC Radio 1Xtra's annual "Hot for 2021" list.[13] He was the first African artist featured on Audiomack's #Up Now program for emerging artists;[14] was included in Montreux Jazz Festival's "20 artists to watch in 2021";[15] and was named BET's Amplified International Artist of the Month for November 2020.[16] He was nominated in four categories at the 2020 Headies Awards, winning the Next Rated award.[17] On 20 November 2020, Lay released his second five-track EP, What Have We Done. All five tracks reached the top 12 of the Apple Music charts for Nigeria, with "Godly" reaching number one.[18]

On 14 December 2020, Lay was arrested alongside[19] Tems after they performed in a show in Uganda. The Ugandan Police authority identified violation of COVID-19 lockdown protocols as the reason for their arrests. The artists felt they were set up.[20][21] Two days later, the Ugandan government released the two, apologised for the arrests and cleared them of wrongdoing.[22] On 25 June 2021, Lay was featured alongside fellow Nigerian singer Alpha P on Nigerian producer Masterkraft's official remix of Canadian singer Justin Bieber's single, "Peaches". On 8 July 2021, Lay released a new single, "Understand".[23][24]

### 2022-present

[edit]

Omah Lay performing in 2023.

In March 2022, Lay released "Attention", a second collaboration with Bieber.[25] The song was part of Lay's debut album Boy Alone released the same year.[26] As part of the album release, Lay launched the Boy Alone Tour where he played in both the United States and Canada in 2022.[26] During the summer of 2023, Lay released a deluxe version of this album Boy Alone[27] and he received a Headies Award for best Male Artist and Album for the album.[28] The same year he also surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify for all his music.[29] He was also featured on the song "I Can't Stop" along with Big Boss Vette which was a deluxe edition bonus track for the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.[30]

Lay began the European leg of his Boy Alone Tour in 2024.[31] During one of his performances in London, he drew criticism for inviting a female fan on stage to dance while her boyfriend was in attendance (and left the venue in disappointment).[32] He also released the single "Holy Ghost" in 2024 as well as a remix of the song where he collaborated with French DJ and producer Martin Solveig. The song topped the African streaming platforms with over 100 million streams.[30]

## Personal life

[edit]

Lay has expressed his support for the #EndSARS campaign in Nigeria. He told Harper's Bazaar, "People need to know these protests are purely about the people, with no political undertone whatsoever. Police harass, extort, beat, and kill us just for being young and trendy, with no consequences. This has gone on long enough, and we are saying enough is enough and demanding government action."[33]

## Discography

[edit]

### Studio albums

[edit]

Title  | Album details  | Peak chart positions

|
|

FRA
[34] | NLD
[34] | SWI
[34]
Boy Alone |

* Released: 15 July 2022
* Label: Sire, KeyQaad
* Format: Digital download, streaming

| 115
[35] | 42 | 82

### Extended plays

[edit]

Title  | Extended play details

|

Get Layd[2] |

* Released: 22 May 2020
* Label: Sire, KeyQaad
* Format: Digital download, streaming

What Have We Done[36] |

* Released: 20 November 2020
* Label: Sire, KeyQaad
* Format: Digital download, streaming

### Singles

[edit]

#### As lead artist

[edit]

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions, sales, certifications, showing year released and album name  Title  | Year  | Peak chart positions  | Certifications  | Album

|
|
|
|

CAN
[37] | IRE
[38] | NLD
[39] | NZ
Hot
[40] | SWE
[41] | SWI
[34] | UK
[42] | US
Bub.
[43] | WW
[44]
"Do Not Disturb"  | 2019  | — | — | — | — | —  | – | — | — | —  |  | Non-album singles
"Hello Brother"  | — | — | — | — | —  | – | — | — | —  |
"Bad Influence"  | 2020  | — | — | — | — | —  | – | — | — | —  |  | Get Layd
"You"  | — | — | — | — | —  | – | — | — | —  |
"Damn"  | — | — | — | — | —  | – | — | — | —  |
"Forever" (Remix)
(with Gyakie) | 2021  | — | — | — | — | —  | – | — | — | —  |  | Non-album single
"Understand"  | — | — | — | — | —  | — | — | — | —  |

* MC: Gold[45]

| Boy Alone
"Free My Mind"  | — | — | — | — | —  | — | — | — | —  |
"Winter Wonderland / Don't Worry Be Happy"  | — | — | — | — | —  | — | — | — | —  |  | Non-album single
"Attention"
(with Justin Bieber) | 2022  | 45 | 78 | 62 | 9 | 87  | 49 | 76 | 11 | 74  |

* MC: Gold[45]

| Boy Alone
"Soso"  | — | — | 79 | — | —  | 52 | — | — | —  |

* MC: Platinum[45]
* SNEP: Platinum [46]

"Reason"  | 2023  | — | — | — | — | —  | – | — | — | —  |  |
"Holy Ghost"  | 2024  | — | — | — | — | —  | – | — | — | —  | Non-album single
"Moving"  | — | — | — | — | —  | – | — | — | —  |  |
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

#### As featured artist

[edit]

List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications shown  Title  | Year  | Album

|
|

"Tonight"
(Spinall featuring Omah Lay) | 2020  | Grace
"Pami"
(DJ Tunez featuring Wizkid, Adekunle Gold, and Omah Lay) | Non-album single
"Pronto"
(Ajebo Hustlers featuring Omah Lay) | 2021  | Kpos Lifestyle, Vol. 1
"Peaches" (Masterkraft Remix)"
(Justin Bieber featuring Alpha P and Omah Lay) | Non-album single
"Namek"
(Jul featuring Omah Lay) | 2022  | Cœur blanc
"People Remix"
(Libianca featuring Omah Lay and Ayra Starr)  | 2023  | Non-album single
"Another Vibe"
(Luciano featuring Omah Lay)  | 2024  | Non-album single

### Guest appearances

[edit]

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name  Title  | Year  | Other artist(s)  | Album

|
|
|

"Infinity"  | 2020  | Olamide | Carpe Diem
"Abeg"  | 2021  | DJ Neptune, Joeboy | Greatness 2.0
"Tears"  | 2024  | Kehlani | Crash

### Production discography

[edit]

#### 2018

[edit]

Kidoben Ace

* "Caught Up"

#### 2019

[edit]

Klug Ali

* "Opium"

Sikiboi

* "One Day"

#### 2020

[edit]

Omah Lay – Get Layd

* 2\. "Lo Lo"
* 4\. "Bad Influence"

Moveek

* "Flossin"

Omah Lay – What Have We Done

* 4\. "Confession"

#### 2021

[edit]

Jhay Jhay

* "Welcum Party"

## Awards and nominations

[edit]

Year  | Award  | Category  | Nominee/work  | Result  | Ref

|
|
|
|
|

2020  | The Headies | Next Rated | Omah Lay  | Won  | [47]
Viewer's Choice | Nominated  | [48]
Best R&B Single | "Bad Influence"  | Nominated
Songwriter of the Year  | Stanley Omah Didia – "Bad Influence"  | Nominated
2021  | Ghana Music Awards | Best African Artiste of the Year  | Omah Lay  | TBA | [49]
MTV Africa Music Awards | Best Breakthrough Act  | Pending  | [50]
Net Honours  | Most Played Pop Song  | ''Godly"  | Won  | [51]
Most Played RnB Song  | "Pami"

(DJ Tunez featuring Wizkid Adekunle Gold & Omah Lay)

| Nominated
All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA)  | Artiste of the Year in Africa  | Omah Lay  | Nominated  | [52]
Best Artiste in Western Africa  | Nominated
Breakout Artiste of the Year  | Nominated
Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop  |  | Nominated
Afro X Digitals Awards  | Break Out Act of the Year  | Omah Lay  | Won  | [53]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Oluwatoye, Dara. "From Lil King to Omah Lay: The Making of A Pop Music Icon". Nigerian Entertainment Today.
2. ^ a b c d Falola, Ifeoluwa (15 June 2020). "Meet Omah Lay: The Brazen Bad Boy of New School Afrobeat". NotJustOk. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
3. ^ "Interesting facts about Nigerian musician Omah Lay". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
4. ^ omah lay. "early life of omah lay". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
5. ^ Olonilua, Ademola (14 December 2020). "New kids on the block: Omah Lay, Laycon, Bella Shmurda and other artistes who made waves in 2020". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
6. ^ Esomnofu, Emmanuel (6 July 2020). "Interview: Omah Lay Is Nigeria's New Young Act to Watch". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
7. ^ "Full details of Omah Lay's current net worth and how he makes money". 21 September 2021.
8. ^ Alake, Motolani (27 December 2020). "Here are the 10 hottest Nigerian artists of the year [Pulse Picks 2020]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
9. ^ "Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 Songs – May 25-May 31, 2020". top-charts.com. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
10. ^ "Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 Songs – October 19-25, 2020". top-charts.com. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
11. ^ Eggertsen, Chris (2 July 2020). "Apple Music Launches Africa Rising Artist Showcase with Debut Cover Star Omah Lay". Billboard. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
12. ^ "The African stars being tipped for global success in 2021 and beyond". XclusiveHype. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
13. ^ "1Xtra's Hot For 2021: The Performances". BBC Radio 1Xtra. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
14. ^ Scott, Nicolas-Tyrell. "Omah Lay Is #UpNow". Audiomack. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
15. ^ "MJF Spotlight: 20 artists to watch in 2021". Montreux Jazz Festival. 2 February 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
16. ^ Alston, Trey. "BET's Amplified International Artist of the Month Omah Lay Releases Sultry New Single Featuring 6LACK". BET.
17. ^ Ihekire, Chinonso (16 January 2021). "The Voices Redefining Naija Music". The Guardian (Nigeria). Retrieved 5 April 2021.
18. ^ "Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 Songs – November 23-29, 2020". top-charts.com. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
19. ^ "Tems Accuse Bebe Cool of Getting Her and Omah Lay Arrested in Uganda". 19 December 2020.
20. ^ "Why Uganda Police do U-turn for Omah Lay release, tie am 'handcuffs'". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
21. ^ "Nigerian star Omah Lay arrested after Uganda gig". Vanguard (Nigeria). 14 December 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
22. ^ Paulinus, Aidoghie (16 December 2020). "Uganda apologises to FG over arrest of singer Omah Lay, others". The Sun (Nigeria). Retrieved 15 June 2021.
23. ^ Hansen, Gabrielle Myers (9 July 2021). "Omah Lay releases Understand single". Music in Africa. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
24. ^ Abulude, Samuel (5 August 2021). "Meet 7 Young Nigerian Artistes With Impacts In 2021". Leadership News – Nigeria News, Breaking News, Politics and more. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
25. ^ Mamo, Heran (4 March 2022). "Omah Lay Talks Reuniting With Justin Bieber and Bringing More 'Attention' to Afrobeats Music". Billboard. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
26. ^ a b "Afro-Fusion Artist Omah Lay Is Just Getting Started: How His U.S. 'Boy Alone' Tour Will Be "Like A One-On-One Session"". Grammy Awards.
27. ^ Olaoya, Ezra. "Afrobeats Star Omah Lay Is On A Journey Of Self-Discovery". Complex UK.
28. ^ Itodo, Sunny Green. "Rema, Asake, others win big at 2023 Headies Awards [Full List]". Daily Post.
29. ^ Adebiyi, Adeayo. "Omah Lay surpasses 1 billion Spotify streams across all credits". Pulse.
30. ^ a b Major, Michael. "Nigerian Afro-Fusion Star Omah Lay Shares 'Holy Ghost (Martin Solveig Remix)'". Broadway World.
31. ^ Itodo, Sunny Green. "'Fafa, I love you' – Omah Lay gives shoutout to lady he danced with during London concert". Daily Post.
32. ^ Das, Amrita (22 February 2024). "What did Omah Lay do? Nigerian singer's inappropriate dance with female fan sparks wild reactions online". Sports Keeda. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
33. ^ Cohn, Alison S.; Marsh, Ariana (26 October 2020). "Yvonne Orji, Wale, Sharon Chuter and More on #EndSARS". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
34. ^ a b c d "Omah Lay – Boy Alone". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 24 June 2023.
35. ^ "Top Albums (Week 25, 2023)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
36. ^ Onabanjo, Adedamola (20 November 2020). "Omah Lay's 'What Have We Done' Builds On The Momentum of His Stellar Year". The Culture Custodian. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
37. ^ "Justin Bieber Chart History: Billboard Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
38. ^ "Discography Omah Lay". irish-charts.com. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
39. ^ "Discografie Omah Lay". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 May 2023.
40. ^ "Discography Omah Lay". charts.nz. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
41. ^ "Discography Omah Lay". swedishcharts.com. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
42. ^ "Justin Bieber – Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
43. ^ "Justin Bieber Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
44. ^ "Justin Bieber Chart History: Global 200". Billboard. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
45. ^ a b c "Canadian certifications – Omah Lay". Music Canada. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
46. ^ "French certifications – Omah Lay" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
47. ^ Oluwatoye, Dara (22 February 2021). "Fireboy, Omah Lay, More Make Impressive Win Debut At The 14th Headies". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
48. ^ "See full list of Headies 2020 award nomination". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
49. ^ "Full List: Here are the nominees for the 2021 Ghana Music Awards". Pulse Ghana. 4 April 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
50. ^ "Here Are the 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards Nominees". OkayAfrica. 11 December 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
51. ^ "Net Honours – The Class of 2021". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
52. ^ "Afrima Nominations 2021 – See full list of nominees". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
53. ^ "Afrodigital Award winners". AfroxDigital.com.

*[TBA]: To be announced