Omah Lay

Last updated

Omah Lay
Omah Lay in 2023.jpg
Omah Lay in 2023
Background information
Birth nameStanley Omah Didia
Born (1997-05-19) 19 May 1997 (age 27)
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • beats
Years active2019–present
Labels Sire, KeyQaad
Website www.omahlay.com

Stanley Omah Didia (born 19 May 1997), known professionally as Omah Lay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He has released two EPs and a studio album and collaborated with artists which include Spinall, Justin Bieber, Masterkraft, and Jul. In addition to numerous charted singles, his songs "Understand," "Attention," and "Soso" have Gold Certifications. He has won numerous awards including Headies in 2020 and 2023.

Contents

Early life

Lay was born May 19, 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

Early career; Get Layd and What Have We Done

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

Omah Lay performing in 2023. Omah Lay performing in 2023.jpg
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

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

Studio albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
FRA
[34]
NLD
[34]
SWI
[34]
Boy Alone115
[35]
4282

Extended plays

TitleExtended 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

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions, sales, certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
CAN
[37]
IRE
[38]
NLD
[39]
NZ
Hot

[40]
SWE
[41]
SWI
[34]
UK
[42]
US
Bub.

[43]
WW
[44]
"Do Not Disturb"2019Non-album singles
"Hello Brother"
"Bad Influence"2020Get Layd
"You"
"Damn"
"Forever" (Remix)
(with Gyakie)
2021Non-album single
"Understand"Boy Alone
"Free My Mind"
"Winter Wonderland / Don't Worry Be Happy"Non-album single
"Attention"
(with Justin Bieber)
202245786298749761174Boy Alone
"Soso"7952
"—" 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
TitleYearAlbum
"Tonight"
(Spinall featuring Omah Lay)
2020Grace
"Pami"
(DJ Tunez featuring Wizkid, Adekunle Gold, and Omah Lay)
Non-album single
"Pronto"
(Ajebo Hustlers featuring Omah Lay)
2021Kpos Lifestyle, Vol. 1
"Peaches" (Masterkraft Remix)"
(Justin Bieber featuring Alpha P and Omah Lay)
Non-album single
"Namek"
(Jul featuring Omah Lay)
2022Cœur blanc

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
TitleYearOther 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

YearAwardCategoryNominee/workResultRef
2020 The Headies Next Rated Omah LayWon [46]
Viewer's Choice Nominated [47]
Best R&B Single "Bad Influence"Nominated
Songwriter of the YearStanley Omah Didia – "Bad Influence"Nominated
2021 Ghana Music Awards Best African Artiste of the YearOmah LayTBA [48]
MTV Africa Music Awards Best Breakthrough ActPending [49]
Net HonoursMost Played Pop Song''Godly"Won [50]
Most Played RnB Song"Pami"

(DJ Tunez featuring Wizkid Adekunle Gold & Omah Lay)

Nominated
All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA)Artiste of the Year in AfricaOmah LayNominated [51]
Best Artiste in Western AfricaNominated
Breakout Artiste of the YearNominated
Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African PopNominated
Afro X Digitals AwardsBreak Out Act of the YearOmah LayWon [52]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Bieber</span> Canadian singer (born 1994)

Justin Drew Bieber is a Canadian singer. Regarded as a pop icon, he is recognized for his multi-genre musical performances. He was discovered by American record executive Scooter Braun in 2008 and subsequently brought to American singer Usher, both of whom formed the record label RBMG Records to sign Bieber in October of that year. He gained recognition following the release of his debut extended play (EP) My World (2009), which was quickly met with international commercial success and led to his establishment as a prominent teen idol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wizkid</span> Nigerian singer and songwriter (born 1990)

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, who is known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Born in the Ojuelegba suburb of Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid is a prominent voice in the emerging Afrobeats movement. His music is blend of Afrobeats, afropop, R&B, afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and pop. He began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group he and a couple of his church friends formed. In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). He rose to the limelight after releasing "Holla at Your Boy", the lead single from his debut studio album, Superstar (2011), which also spawned the singles "Tease Me/Bad Guys" and "Don't Dull".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burna Boy</span> Nigerian singer-songwriter (born 1991)

Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu , who is known professionally as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He rose to stardom in 2012 after releasing "Like to Party", the lead single from his debut studio album L.I.F.E (2013). In 2017, Burna Boy signed with Atlantic Records in the United States to release his third studio album, Outside (2018).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pheelz</span> Nigerian record producer and singer

Phillip Kayode Moses, better known as Pheelz, is a Nigerian record producer, singer and songwriter who has worked with several artists and musicians, such as Davido, Usher, Olamide, Wizkid, Fireboy DML, Teni and Tiwa Savage. Pheelz is credited to have produced all but one song on Olamide's Baddest Guy Ever Liveth album. In 2022, he had a hit with his song "Finesse", a collaboration with Bnxn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rema (musician)</span> Nigerian singer and songwriter (born 2000)

Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, is a Nigerian singer. He gained initial recognition following the release of his 2019 song "Dumebi". That same year, he signed with D'Prince's record label, Jonzing World. He received wider recognition for his 2022 single "Calm Down", which spawned a remix with American singer Selena Gomez that peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and led the United States Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fireboy DML</span> Nigerian singer

Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan, who is known professionally as Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is signed to YBNL Nation, a record label founded by rapper Olamide. His debut studio album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, was released in 2019. He won Listener's Choice and was nominated for Song of the Year for "Jealous" at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tems</span> Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer (born 1995)

Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. She rose to prominence after being featured on Wizkid's 2020 single "Essence", which peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart following the release of the remix version with Justin Bieber. The song earned her a Grammy Award nomination. That same year, she was featured on the song "Fountains" by Canadian rapper Drake.

<i>Carpe Diem</i> (Olamide album) 2020 studio album by Olamide

Carpe Diem is the eleventh studio album of Nigerian rapper Olamide and his first body of work under American label and distribution company, Empire Distribution. According to The Olamide Music Chart on X formerly (Twitter), Carpe Diem crossed the 500 million stream mark across all dsps on June 1, 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bella Shmurda</span> Nigerian singer

Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, known professionally as Bella Shmurda, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to prominence in 2019 with the release of the song "Vision 2020", and a follow-up remix which featured Olamide. He is also the leader of Dangbana Republik; a collective of creatives in Lagos providing community and humanitarian contributions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peaches (Justin Bieber song)</span> 2021 single by Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon

"Peaches" is a song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber featuring fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar and American singer-songwriter Giveon. It was released through Def Jam Recordings on March 19, 2021, as the fifth single from the former's sixth studio album, Justice, which was released the same day. First-time collaborators, the artists wrote the song with producers Harv and Shndo, alongside Andrew Watt, Louis Bell, Sean Leon, Harv's wife Felisha King-Harvey of Cherish, Vincent Massi, and Keavan Yazdani. There are two remixes of the song: one that features American musicians Ludacris, Usher, & Snoop Dogg, and the other of which features Nigerian musicians Alpha P, Omah Lay, and Masterkraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Director K</span> Nigerian music video director (born 1993)

Aremu Olaiwola Qudus is a Nigerian music video director. He has worked with artists of several musical genres including Wizkid, Skepta, Davido, Burna Boy and many others, winning 2020 The Headies Award for best music video of the year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamopyper</span> Nigerian singer-songwriter

Jamiu Damilare Tajudeen professionally known as Jamopyper, is a Nigerian afrobeat singer and songwriter. He signed a record deal with Zlatan ibile "Zanku Records in 2020 and was nominated for Rookie of Year at The Headies 2020.

Akano Samuel is a Nigerian record producer, Mixing Engineer and Arranger. Born in Niger State, Minna He is notable with the mainstream sound tag "Classic" and "if it's Spax then it gotta be" which is well known in the African mainstream music scene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TurnTable End of the Year Top 50 of 2021</span>

The TurnTable End of the Year Top 50 of 2021 is a chart that ranks the best-performing singles in Nigeria. Its data, published by TurnTable magazine, is based collectively on each single's weekly physical and digital sales, as well as airplay and streaming. At the end of a year, TurnTable publishes an annual list of the 50 most successful songs throughout that year on its top 50 charts based on the information published on 30, and 31 December 2021 in TurnTable, and calculated with data from January 4, 2021, to December 13, 2021.

Daniel Etiese Benson, known professionally as Bnxn and formerly known as Buju, is a Nigerian Afro-fusion singer, songwriter and record producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Attention (Omah Lay and Justin Bieber song)</span> 2022 single by Omah Lay and Justin Bieber

"Attention" is a song by Nigerian singer Omah Lay and Canadian singer Justin Bieber. It was released through Sire Records and KeyQaad as the second single from Lay's debut studio album, Boy Alone, on 4 March 2022. The song was produced by Avedon and Harv. "Attention" was Lay's first charting song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tempoe</span> Nigerian record producer and musician

Michael Chigozie Alagwu, better known by his stage name Tempoe, is a Nigerian record producer, DJ, singer and songwriter. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, he is popularly known for the tag "MÄD!", at the beginning or end of all his music productions. His production of CKay's breakout afrobeats song, Love Nwantiti received global recognition.

Ajebo Hustlers are a Nigerian Afrobeat and Highlife duo from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, composed of Isaiah Precious a.k.a "Piego" a singer and George Dandeson a.k.a "Knowledge" a rapper. They met in 2010/2011 in a catering company where they both worked as waiters. Ajebo Hustlers were nominated at the 2022 Headies Awards for songwriter of The Year and won the Best Duo at the Soundcity MVP Awards of 2023.

Alexander Uwaifo known professionally as Andre Vibez is a Nigerian music producer and songwriter. He is best known for producing "Rush" from Ayra Starr's album 19 & Dangerous and Rema international hit single “Calm Down” which peaked at number one on the India IMI International chart and also peak no.3 on Billboard Hot 100. In September 2022, he was announced as one of the new signed record producers of the Nigerian record label, Mavin Records.

Fuayefika Maxwell known professionally as ‘Wizard Chan’ is a Nigerian reggae and hip-hop singer, songwriter and music producer. He released his first official single titled 'Halo Halo' in 2020. However, he rose to limelight with the hit single ‘Earth Song’ which was released in December 2022. In 2023, he won awards at The Headies and the Galaxy Music Awards.

References

  1. 1 2 Oluwatoye, Dara. "From Lil King to Omah Lay: The Making of A Pop Music Icon". Nigerian Entertainment Today.
  2. 1 2 3 4 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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 4 "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. 1 2 3 "Canadian certifications – Omah Lay". Music Canada . Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  46. Oluwatoye, Dara (22 February 2021). "Fireboy, Omah Lay, More Make Impressive Win Debut At The 14th Headies". Nigerian Entertainment Today . Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  47. "See full list of Headies 2020 award nomination". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  48. "Full List: Here are the nominees for the 2021 Ghana Music Awards". Pulse Ghana. 4 April 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  49. "Here Are the 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards Nominees". OkayAfrica. 11 December 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  50. "Net Honours – The Class of 2021". Nigerian Entertainment Today . Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  51. "Afrima Nominations 2021 – See full list of nominees". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  52. "Afrodigital Award winners". AfroxDigital.com.