Stanley Omah Didia popularly known by his stage name, Omah Lay, is gradually going shoulder to shoulder with stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. Since his arrival into the music scene early this year, he has remained the center of attraction. The singer came into the spotlight with his EP, Get Layd. The five-song EP immediately earned him his place in the Nigerian music space with songs like “Damn” which has seen different remixes from the original (with 6lack especially), as well as “Lo Lo”, “Bad Influence”, “Ye Ye Ye”, and “You”. His success with Get Layd earned him a series of recognitions and got him featured by established acts. He has featured in a song titled “Pami” alongside Wizkid and Adekunle Gold. Olamide also featured him in “Infinity”. Both songs are at the top of major charts particularly for his verses on them.
There seems to be something about the Port Harcourt-born artiste and his craft that stands him out from his contemporaries. Omah Lay’s unique style is a mix of alternative music and afrobeats. His soothing voice and witty remarks makes him completely desirable. His music is a far remove from the popular “gbas gbos” associated with most Nigerian songs. Most of his songs are not exactly uptempo, but the vibe and the storytelling he infuses makes them lovable and danceable. Almost anyone would agree that listening to Omah Lay feels like listening to different artistes at the same time. His music feels like a combination of such artistes like J. Cole, 6lack, Wizkid, Tems, Kranium, etc. It is no wonder BET UK named him BET Amplified International Artiste for the month of November.
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Given his outstanding success in so short a frame, many have begun comparing Omah Lay with other big acts in the Nigerian entertainment scene. While some have said he is the best thing that has emerged from the Nigerian music space, others opined that he is just another prodigy who will build on the greatness others have built. Omah Lay however finds his sudden rise to fame shocking. Taking to his twitter page, he said:
‘This time last year I was holed up in my tiny room singing my guts out, not knowing if people would ever hear or even appreciate these songs.
‘Fast forward few months later, those songs came together to become an EP titled ‘Get Layd’ and that shit changed my life!!!.
‘I see myself everywhere, hear myself everywhere, feels great! Everything I ever wished for …
‘But with it went the simple things of life, I miss being Stanley!!! Got me asking myself What We Have Done???!!! Don’t mind me, this shit is still new to me.’
Interestingly, Omah Lay just released his second official EP, What We Have Done. The EP, which has songs like “My Bebe”, “Confession”, “Godly”, and “Can’t Relate”, has received popular acclaim since its release date on November 20. It is in fact getting notches of visibility alongside recent albums by Wizkid and Davido on major streaming platforms. On Apple Music, the EP peaks at number one as the most played, a feat his previous EP accomplished; dominating Apple Music Top 100. On Audiomack it has already recorded well over six million streams in just few days of its release. There is no doubt that Omah Lay is talented. He has been tipped to win one of the biggest entertainment awards in Nigeria, the Headies. There will be no doubts for the new star once he emerges winner.
Nelson Okoh
Photo Credit: Capital FM
