28 Facts you probably didn’t know about Omah Lay
Here are 28 interesting facts you probably didn’t know about Omah Lay, the soulful Nigerian singer-songwriter making waves in the Afrobeat scene.
As Nigerian singer-songwriter Stanley Omah Didia, popularly known as Omah Lay, turns 28 today, Monday, May 19, 2025, it's a great moment to explore his journey beyond the headlines.
From his early influences to his rise as a global Afrobeat star, here are 28 detailed facts about the man behind hits like Bad Influence and Godly.
1. Full birth name and birthday
Omah Lay was born Stanley Omah Didia on May 19, 1997. This means he celebrates his birthday today as he turns 28.
2. Origin and hometown
He is from Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State in southern Nigeria. Port Harcourt is known for producing numerous talented Nigerian artists.
3. Musical roots in family
Omah Lay’s musical inclination runs in his family. His grandfather was a drummer for Celestine Ukwu, a legendary highlife musician in the 1970s, suggesting music is part of his heritage.
4. Early musical inspirations: Drake and rap
During his youth, Omah Lay was heavily influenced by international stars like Drake. He started off rapping under the stage name Lil King, showing his early interest in hip-hop culture.
5. Shift from rap to production and singing
Realizing his strengths lay beyond rapping, Omah Lay transitioned into music production and songwriting, which shaped his unique sound blending Afrobeat with R&B and soul.
6. Debut single 'Do Not Disturb' (2019)
Omah Lay’s professional breakthrough came in 2019 with his self-produced single Do Not Disturb, which showcased his smooth vocal style and songwriting.
7. Breakout EP 'Get Layd' (2020)
Released in May 2020, his debut EP Get Layd was an instant hit, amassing over 120 million streams worldwide. It included popular tracks like Bad Influence and You.
8. Follow-up EP 'What Have We Done?' (2020)
Just six months later, Omah Lay dropped a second EP titled What Have We Done?, which confirmed his place among Nigeria’s rising stars with critical and commercial success.
9. Debut studio album 'Boy Alone' (2022)
His first full-length album, Boy Alone, was released on July 14, 2022. It featured collaborations with global acts like Justin Bieber and Tay Iwar, expanding his international footprint.
10. Deluxe edition release (2023)
In June 2023, Omah Lay released a deluxe edition of Boy Alone, adding fresh songs and collaborations, keeping fans engaged with new material.
11. Afrobeat fusion style
Omah Lay’s music blends traditional Afrobeats rhythms with elements of R&B, hip-hop, and highlife, creating a unique Afro-fusion sound that appeals globally.
12. Signed to independent label KeyQaad
He is signed to KeyQaad, an independent Nigerian record label known for nurturing new talent since 2017, which has allowed him artistic freedom.
13. Global Collaboration with Justin Bieber
Omah Lay collaborated with international pop superstar Justin Bieber on the single Attention in 2022, helping to further introduce Afrobeat sounds to global pop audiences.
14. Chart-topping single 'Understand'
His song Understand dominated the Nigerian TurnTable Top 100 chart for 11 consecutive weeks, highlighting his strong fanbase and radio presence.
15. Strong social media following
Omah Lay commands a total of 4.8 million Instagram followers and growing, using social media to connect directly with fans and share his journey.
16. Acknowledged influence of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy
He openly credits Afrobeat pioneers like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy for shaping the genre and inspiring his music career. He credits their global breakthroughs and genre-defining contributions as major inspirations for his own musical journey.
17. Advocate for social justice and #EndSARS movement
Omah Lay has actively used his platform to support social justice causes, notably lending his voice to Nigeria’s #EndSARS movement against police brutality. Through his music, interviews, and social media, he’s raised awareness and stood in solidarity with Nigerian youths demanding change.
18. Open about mental health
Omah Lay has been open about his battles with mental health, candidly sharing experiences with anxiety and the pressures of fame. These personal struggles often surface in his introspective lyrics, making his music deeply relatable to fans facing similar challenges.
19. International performances and tours
Omah Lay has performed extensively across Africa, Europe, and North America, gracing major festivals and headlining sold-out shows. These international tours have not only expanded his global fanbase but also positioned him as one of Afrobeats' most sought-after live performers.
20. Winner of the Headies Next Rated award (2021)
At the prestigious Headies Awards in 2021, Omah Lay clinched the coveted Next Rated award, a milestone category known for spotlighting Nigeria’s most promising new talents. This recognition placed him alongside past winners like Wizkid, Rema, and Davido, marking his arrival as a key player in the Afrobeats scene.
21. Co-producing his music
Not just a vocalist, Omah Lay is hands-on with his sound, actively co-producing some of his music. A notable example is Confession from his What Have We Done EP, where he showcased his production skills, proving his versatility as both a performer and a creator behind the scenes.
22. Distinctive fashion style
Omah Lay is known for his distinctive, fashion-forward style that effortlessly blends edgy streetwear with traditional African aesthetics. His bold, experimental looks not only set him apart in the music scene but have also earned him recognition at major events like Paris Fashion Week 2025, where his appearance became a viral moment and sparked conversations about his evolving artistic identity.
23. Philanthropic engagements
Omah Lay has quietly taken part in charity events and supported initiatives aimed at helping underprivileged communities in Nigeria. While he keeps much of his philanthropic work out of the spotlight, those close to the artist confirm his commitment to giving back and uplifting others through both personal and organized efforts.
24. Visually engaging music videos
Omah Lay’s music videos stand out for their cinematic visuals and strong storytelling. Each video is carefully crafted to match the mood and message of his songs, using symbolic imagery, vibrant settings, and emotional performances. Videos like Soso and Attention have earned praise for their creative direction, enhancing the listener’s experience and bringing his lyrics to life on screen.
25. Global influence on Afrobeats growth
Omah Lay is part of the new wave of Nigerian artists driving Afrobeat’s global takeover, standing alongside talents like Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr. Through his international collaborations, chart-topping singles, and worldwide tours, he’s played a vital role in expanding the genre’s audience. His distinct Afro-fusion sound and relatable storytelling have helped introduce Afrobeat to new listeners across Europe, North America, and beyond, proving that the movement is bigger than ever.
26. Upcoming music projects and major moves
2025 is already shaping up to be a huge year for Omah Lay. He’s currently working on his highly anticipated sophomore album Clarity Of Mind, expected to drop in May. Many fans might not know that Omah Lay is featured on Davido’s recently released 5ive album. Their collaboration, With You, is currently making waves both locally and internationally, earning praise for its smooth blend of Afrobeats and heartfelt lyrics.
Beyond the studio, Omah Lay is also making big moves on global stages. He’s set to perform at the Couleur Café Festival in Brussels and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, further expanding his international fanbase. Most recently, he turned heads at Paris Fashion Week 2025, with his bold style and signature hair sparking conversations across social media and fashion blogs.
With a packed calendar of music, performances, and cultural moments, Omah Lay continues to prove he’s one of Afrobeat’s most exciting and versatile stars.
27. Relatable lyrics for youth
Omah Lay’s music strikes a deep chord with young listeners by addressing real-life themes like love, heartbreak, mental health, identity, and societal pressure. Songs like Soso and Understand reflect his emotional honesty, openly touching on struggles rarely discussed in African pop culture. His lyrics offer comfort and validation to a generation navigating love, anxiety, and survival in a tough system, making him a relatable voice for youth across Nigeria and beyond.
28. Legacy and rising star
At just 28, Omah Lay has firmly positioned himself as an important figure in the global Afrobeat movement, symbolizing the genre’s evolution and international appeal. His authentic storytelling, unique vocal texture, and fearless exploration of sensitive topics like mental health and personal struggles have set him apart in an industry often dominated by upbeat, party-centric tracks.
Lastly, Omah Lay’s journey from a young boy in Port Harcourt to an international Afrobeat sensation reflects dedication, talent, and authenticity. As he celebrates his 28th birthday, fans and industry watchers alike eagerly anticipate what the next chapters hold for this gifted artist.
