Omah Lay Opens Up on Afrobeats Divide, Davido Collab & Grammy Moment
Omah Lay is getting candid about the dynamics within the Afrobeats scene—and how a single collaboration shifted his perspective.
In a new interview with FADER, the singer spoke on what he describes as a sense of separation within the industry. According to him, the culture around Afrobeats can feel divided, with artists often aligned on different sides of an unspoken line.
He reflected on a moment in 2024 when he made a bold personal decision—unfollowing major Afrobeats figures including Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. For Omah Lay, it wasn’t about conflict, but about growth. He explained that while these artists helped shape the sound and global rise of Afrobeats, he felt the need to step away from what he described as an “old pattern” and carve out his own path.
That perspective, however, evolved in an unexpected way.
His collaboration with Davido on With You came together naturally, and what started as a studio session turned into something deeper. Omah Lay revealed that working with Davido helped him see the superstar in a new light, saying the experience allowed them to connect on a more personal level and build genuine rapport beyond music.
The impact of that record was significant. Not only did With You resonate with fans, but it also marked a major milestone in Omah Lay’s career—earning him his first Grammy nomination. For him, the success of the song is proof of what can happen when music is created organically, without forcing direction or narrative.
Looking back, Omah Lay sees the collaboration as more than just a hit—it represents growth, connection, and a shift in perspective. While he remains focused on building his own identity, moments like this show that sometimes, stepping back can lead to meaningful bridges forward.
And if his recent run is anything to go by, Omah Lay is still very much in his own lane—just on a global level.
Read More: Fan Base Wars in Afrobeats: Wizkid FC, 30BG, Outsiders, and the Culture of Music Loyalty
