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Omah Lay

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Omah Lay
Lay in 2023
Background information
Birth nameStanley Omah Didia
Born (1997-05-19) 19 May 1997 (age 27)
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active2019–present

Stanley Omah Didia (born 19 May 1997), known professionally as Omah Lay, is a Nigerian singer, producer and songwriter. He received recognition in 2020, after the release of his single "Bad Influence".[1]

Early life

Stanley Omah Didia was raised in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt. He was born on May 19 1997, He hails from Egbeda, Emohua, Rivers Local Government Area in Rivers State.[2] He attended Comprehensive High School in Rivers State before proceeding to the University of Port Harcourt.[3] He comes from a musical family and his grandfather played instruments for the singer Celestine Ukwu before he died in 1977. Lay's father played the drums.[4] He said his brother inspired him into music but his brother gave up while he continued but today his brother follows him to everywhere he goes to around the world.[5]

Career

Omah Lay started out in a rap group under the stage name "Lil King." He later moved on to songwriting and music producing, which went largely uncredited, and as a result of that, he released "Do Not Disturb" in April 2019. "Hello Brother" was released a month after.

He signed to a record label named KeyQaad in June 2019, and took a seven month break.[2][6] During the break, he worked on his debut EP, Get Layd. He told OkayAfrica, "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. The first song I'd recorded on Get Layd was 'Bad Influence.' I'd done that way before the songs we had to put on the project."[7] Following the break, he released "Bad Influence," which became the most streamed Nigerian song on Apple Music at the end of 2020.[8]

Omah Lay performing in 2023.

On 14 February 2020, Lay released "You," his first official single. He released his five-track debut EP, Get Layd on 22 May 2020.[9] The 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.[10]

In October, Lay appeared on Olamide's album Carpe Diem, on the track "Infinity", which topped the Apple Music charts for Nigeria.[11]

On 20 November, 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.[12]

On 3 July 2020, Lay was the first artist highlighted for Apple's Africa Rising Campaign to spotlight African talent.[13][14] In December 2020, he was included in BBC Radio 1Xtra's annual "Hot for 2021" list.[15] He was the first African artist featured on Audiomack's #Up Now program for emerging artists;[16] was included in Montreux Jazz Festival's "20 artists to watch in 2021";[17] and was named BET's Amplified International Artist of the Month for November 2020.[18] He was nominated in four categories at the 2020 Headies Awards, winning the Next Rated award.[19]

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".[20][21] On 3 March 2022, he released a collaboration with Bieber, "Attention", which serves as the second collaboration between the two artists.[22]

Controversy

On 14 December 2020, Lay was arrested alongside[23] 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.[24][25] Two days later, the Ugandan government released the two, apologised for the arrests and cleared them of wrongdoing.[26]

On 20 February 2024, the Nigerian singer sparked controversy during a performance at the Eventim Apollo in London. While singing "Bend You," he invited a female fan onto the stage, reportedly attending with her boyfriend. Their dance took a steamy turn, drawing criticism for its perceived inappropriateness. Clips of the incident went viral, prompting widespread online condemnation. The fan's alleged boyfriend was seen leaving the venue in disappointment. Many questioned the propriety of Omah Lay's actions, leading to a heated debate among viewers. [27]

Political views

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."[28]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Album details Peak chart positions
FRA
[29] 		NLD
[29] 		SWI
[29]
Boy Alone 115
[30]		 42 82

Extended plays

Title Extended play details
Get Layd[2]
  • Released: 22 May 2020
  • Label: Sire, KeyQaad
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
What Have We Done[31]
  • Released: 20 November 2020
  • Label: Sire, KeyQaad
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Singles

As lead artist

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
[32] 		IRE
[33] 		NLD
[34] 		NZ
Hot
[35] 		SWE
[36] 		SWI
[29] 		UK
[37] 		US
Bub.
[38] 		WW
[39]
"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" — — — — — — — — — 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 Boy Alone
"Soso" — — 79 — — 52 — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
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

Guest appearances

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

Production discography

2018

Kidoben Ace

  • "Caught Up"

2019

Klug Ali

  • "Opium"

Sikiboi

  • "One Day"

2020

Omah Lay – Get Layd

  • 2. "Lo Lo"
  • 4. "Bad Influence"

Moveek

  • "Flossin"

Omah Lay – What Have We Done

  • 4. "Confession"

2021

Jhay Jhay

  • "Welcum Party"

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominee/work Result Ref
2020 The Headies Next Rated Omah Lay Won [41]
Viewer's Choice Nominated [42]
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 [43]
MTV Africa Music Awards Best Breakthrough Act Pending [44]
Net Honours Most Played Pop Song ''Godly" Won [45]
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 [46]
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 [47]

References

  1. ^ Tee, Emma (23 January 2024). "Omah Lay wants to lead Afrobeat sound »". Mp3Bullet. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  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. ^ "TikTok - Make Your Day". www.tiktok.com. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ Esomnofu, Emmanuel (6 July 2020). "Interview: Omah Lay Is Nigeria's New Young Act to Watch". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 18 June 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. ^ "Full details of Omah Lay's current net worth and how he makes money". 21 September 2021.
  10. ^ "Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 Songs – May 25-May 31, 2020". top-charts.com. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  11. ^ "Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 Songs – October 19-25, 2020". top-charts.com. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  12. ^ "Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 Songs – November 23-29, 2020". top-charts.com. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  13. ^ Eggertsen, Chris (2 July 2020). "Apple Music Launches Africa Rising Artist Showcase with Debut Cover Star Omah Lay". Billboard. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  14. ^ "The African stars being tipped for global success in 2021 and beyond". XclusiveHype. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  15. ^ "1Xtra's Hot For 2021: The Performances". BBC Radio 1Xtra. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  16. ^ Scott, Nicolas-Tyrell. "Omah Lay Is #UpNow". Audiomack. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  17. ^ "MJF Spotlight: 20 artists to watch in 2021". Montreux Jazz Festival. 2 February 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  18. ^ Alston, Trey. "BET's Amplified International Artist of the Month Omah Lay Releases Sultry New Single Featuring 6LACK". BET.
  19. ^ Ihekire, Chinonso (16 January 2021). "The Voices Redefining Naija Music". The Guardian (Nigeria). Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  20. ^ Hansen, Gabrielle Myers (9 July 2021). "Omah Lay releases Understand single". Music in Africa. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  21. ^ 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.
  22. ^ Mamo, Heran (4 March 2022). "Omah Lay Talks Reuniting With Justin Bieber and Bringing More 'Attention' to Afrobeats Music". Billboard. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  23. ^ "Tems Accuse Bebe Cool of Getting Her and Omah Lay Arrested in Uganda". 19 December 2020.
  24. ^ "Why Uganda Police do U-turn for Omah Lay release, tie am 'handcuffs'". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  25. ^ "Nigerian star Omah Lay arrested after Uganda gig". Vanguard (Nigeria). 14 December 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  26. ^ Paulinus, Aidoghie (16 December 2020). "Uganda apologises to FG over arrest of singer Omah Lay, others". The Sun (Nigeria). Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  27. ^ 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.
  28. ^ Cohn, Alison S.; Marsh, Ariana (26 October 2020). "Yvonne Orji, Wale, Sharon Chuter and More on #EndSARS". Harper's Bazaar. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
  29. ^ a b c d "Omah Lay – Boy Alone". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  30. ^ "Top Albums (Week 25, 2023)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  31. ^ 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.
  32. ^ "Justin Bieber Chart History: Billboard Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  33. ^ "Discography Omah Lay". irish-charts.com. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  34. ^ "Discografie Omah Lay". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  35. ^ "Discography Omah Lay". charts.nz. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  36. ^ "Discography Omah Lay". swedishcharts.com. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  37. ^ "Justin Bieber – Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  38. ^ "Justin Bieber Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  39. ^ "Justin Bieber Chart History: Global 200". Billboard. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  40. ^ a b c "Canadian certifications – Omah Lay". Music Canada. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  41. ^ Oluwatoye, Dara (22 February 2021). "Fireboy, Omah Lay, More Make Impressive Win Debut At The 14th Headies". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  42. ^ "See full list of Headies 2020 award nomination". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  43. ^ "Full List: Here are the nominees for the 2021 Ghana Music Awards". Pulse Ghana. 4 April 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  44. ^ "Here Are the 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards Nominees". OkayAfrica. 11 December 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  45. ^ "Net Honours – The Class of 2021". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  46. ^ "Afrima Nominations 2021 – See full list of nominees". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  47. ^ "Afrodigital Award winners". AfroxDigital.com.
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