Omah Lay

Stanley Omah Didia, who performs as Omah Lay, started making music in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. His 2020 single 'Bad Influence' broke through internationally, leading to his debut EP Get Layd that same year. The song's moody, soulful delivery caught on quickly, establishing his presence.

His first full album Boy Alone arrived in 2022, showing a wider range that pulls from Afrobeat, R&B, and pop without settling neatly into one category. Tracks like 'Soso' and 'Understand' from that period have a reflective, sometimes brooding quality that feels more personal than anthemic.

In 2020, Omah Lay was arrested in Uganda alongside fellow Nigerian artist Tems for allegedly violating COVID-19 lockdown rules during a performance. The incident drew attention but didn't derail his output. He writes mostly about relationships and internal struggles, as heard on songs like 'godly' and 'i'm a mess,' with a vocal style that leans into raw emotion over polish.

He works as a solo artist, bringing in producers and musicians as needed rather than maintaining a fixed band. There's a directness to his music that has connected with listeners, especially in Nigeria's crowded contemporary scene.