Omah Lay: ‘Soso’ singer who once engaged in illegal activities just to feed his family
In recent years, the Nigerian music industry has witnessed the emergence of numerous talented artists who have captivated audiences both locally and internationally. One such rising star is Omah Lay, a multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer, whose unique blend of afrobeats and contemporary R&B has garnered widespread acclaim.
He is undoubtedly the ‘Baby Boy’ of the Nigerian music industry at the moment, thanks to his handsome physique and amazing talent. However, the Understand singer was not always rich and famous as his journey to fame is filled with struggles and determination.
So, who is Omah Lay?
Omah Lay biography
Stanley Omah Didia, popularly known as Omah Lay, was born in 1997, in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, South-South Nigeria. He hails from Egbeda, which is situated in the Emohua Local Government Area of the state. His upbringing in this region has undoubtedly influenced his artistry and contributed to his unique musical style.
Omah Lay attended Comprehensive High School in Rivers State. He subsequently enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt, where he studied Management Sciences.
Omah Lay often uses the phrase ‘I came from nothing’, and this is the basic truth as he struggled to make ends meet to feed his family. The ‘Baby Boy’ of the Nigerian music industry, as he is fondly known by fans, once revealed that he engaged in illegal activities just to feed his family and survive. He also stated that he once worked as a laundry man before he stepped into the limelight. Despite all the burden his young shoulders had to bear, his love for music never died.
ALSO READ: Oxlade: ‘Away’ crooner whose ‘other room’ exploits became public knowledge
Today, Omah Lay’s rise in the Nigerian music scene is a testament to his undeniable talent, hard work and dedication to his craft. With each release, he continues to push boundaries and defy expectations.
Career
Omah Lay’s musical journey began as a member of a rap group, where he adopted the stage name “Lil King”. However, he soon transitioned to songwriting and music production. The My Bebe singer first gained attention with the release of his debut single, Do Not Disturb, in April 2019. A month later, he released another track, Hello Brother.
In June 2019, Omah Lay took a significant step in his career by signing with the record label, KeyQaad. However, it was his breakthrough hit, Bad Influence that catapulted him to national and international recognition. The song, with its introspective lyrics and infectious melody, resonated with listeners, and reinforced Omah Lay’s reputation as a compelling storyteller.
What sets the singer apart is his ability to seamlessly blend afrobeats, R&B and soulful melodies, creating a signature sound that is uniquely his. His music is filled with captivating hooks, relatable lyrics and a smooth vocal delivery that effortlessly draws listeners into his world.
Since his breakthrough, Omah Lay has experienced remarkable success in a relatively short period. His debut EP, Get Layd, released in May 2020, was a commercial triumph as it received widespread acclaim and amassed millions of streams. The project featured standout tracks like You, Lo Lo, and Ye Ye Ye.
Omah Lay’s success did not go unnoticed, as he garnered nominations and won several awards, including the prestigious Next Rated category at The Headies Awards in 2020.
In October 2020, the Attention singer made an appearance on Olamide’s album, Carpe Diem, featuring on the track, titled: Infinity. This collaboration proved to be a massive success, as the song skyrocketed to the top of the Apple Music charts in Nigeria.
Continuing his momentum, on November 20, 2020, Omah Lay released his highly anticipated second EP, titled: What Have We Done. The EP featured five captivating tracks that resonated deeply with audiences. Remarkably, all five tracks from the EP achieved remarkable success as they secured positions within the top 12 of the Apple Music charts in Nigeria. Among them, Godly stood out as it climbed to the coveted number one spot.
On June 25, 2021, Omah Lay had the honour of being featured alongside fellow Nigerian singer, Alpha P, on the official remix of Canadian singer Justin Bieber’s hit single, Peaches, which was produced by Nigerian producer Masterkraft.
Omah Lay unveiled a highly anticipated collaboration with Justin Bieber titled Attention on March 3, 2022. This track marked their second collaboration together, highlighting the chemistry and musical synergy between the two talented artists.
His subsequent releases, including the singles Godly, Understand, and My Bebe, showcase his growth as a songwriter and his ability to experiment with different sounds while staying true to his unique style. Beyond his infectious melodies, Omah Lay’s lyrics often tackle relatable themes such as love, relationships, and personal experiences. His authenticity and ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level have contributed to his widespread appeal.
ALSO READ: Ice Prince: ‘Oleku’ crooner who drove his way to detention
Presently, Omah Lay is signed to Dvpper Music Distribution for his Nigerian endeavours, while joining forces with Sire Records for his international distribution. This strategic partnership allows him to reach a broader audience both within Nigeria and on a global scale, expanding his reach and amplifying his musical impact across borders.
Omah Lay songs
Some of the songs released by Omah Lay include:
- Understand
- I’m a Mess
- Temptations
- Godly
- Lo Lo
- Joanna
- Soweto
- Free My Mind
- Forever
- Tell Everybody
- Woman
- Sofa Silahlane
- Bad Influence
- I
- Safe Haven
- Attention
- Ye ye ye
- Damn
- You
- How to Luv
- Do Not Disturb
- My Bebe
- Bend You
- Reason
- Abeg
- Philo
- Can’t Relate
- Let’s Jump Up
- Bila Dia Menyukaiku
- Never Forget
- Soso
Omah Lay’s net worth
According to reports, Omah Lay has an estimated net worth of $200,000 (N131,300,000). His wealth comes from his career as an artist and a brand influencer.
Omah Lay family
Omah Lay hails from a musical lineage. He is the first child and son of Mr. and Mrs. Didia. His father, also called “Boy Alone”, played the drum in his earlier days. His grandfather was also a musician as well. Hence, it is clear that the love for music runs in their blood.
In an interview, Omah Lay revealed that he experienced the tragic loss of his father when he was 12 years old. With the weight of his family’s welfare resting on his young shoulders, he took on the responsibility of providing for them. At the age of 13 or 14, Omah Lay resorted to engaging in the hazardous activity of stolen crude oil in the creeks as a means to support his loved ones.
Describing his experiences, he said, “I’m the first child and my dad died– Boy Alone himself – when I was around 12. So the weight of the family was on me. When I was 13/14, I went to Marine Base and did anything I could do to take care of my family. I dey do kpo fire (alluding to the Port Harcourt hustle of clandestinely refining crude oil).”
Despite the hardships he faced, his passion for music remained unwavering. While engaged in his crude oil business during the day, he found solace and inspiration in participating in rap battles with his friends during the nighttime. This dual existence allowed him to channel his creativity and nurture his musical talents amidst the challenges he encountered.
Omah Lay age
Omah Lay was born on May 19, 1997. He is currently 26 years old.
Omah Lay Instagram
On Instagram, Omah Lay can be found under the username, @omah_lay. As of the time of writing this piece, he has 3.7 million followers. Ever since Omah Lay emerged in the Nigerian music industry, fans have not only embraced his talent and songs but have also eagerly awaited his updates on tours, songs, collaborations, events and more through his Instagram page.
Beyond his musical prowess, Omah Lay’s Instagram account also highlights his photogenic nature and impeccable fashion sense through a captivating array of pictures. His stylish and classy demeanour shines through, captivating the attention of his followers and further enhancing his appeal.
READ ALSO: Amaarae: Queer singer whose songs are on charts of streaming platforms
