- Omah Lay claims Afrobeats artists are copying his sound
- He praises fans for coining the "Afro-Depression" genre
- Omah Lay slams artists for compromising Afrobeats' authenticity for global success
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Omah Lay has voiced his concerns that up-and-coming Afrobeats artists, both within Nigeria and globally, are emulating his distinctive musical style.
The artist behind the hit song “Holy Ghost” believes his fresh approach to the genre has set a trend that many others are now attempting to follow. In a recent interview with Billboard, Omah Lay remarked, “The artists coming out from Nigeria right now, not just Nigeria but Afrobeats in general are taking a bit of my stuff, the stuff I started, everybody tryna copy something.”
His remarks follow his contentment with the label “Afro-Depression” that fans have assigned to his music. Omah Lay expressed his appreciation for this, noting that it signifies a deep connection between his listeners and his work, without needing any further explanation from him.
“I definitely love it. I love that I started a new movement and my music started something new that I didn’t have to come out and tell people that my music is ‘Afro-Depression’. My fans made it up and I didn’t have to explain…It’s great to witness that I can just make music and the world can decide what it’s and it becomes a movement,” Omah Lay stated.
Additionally, Omah Lay criticized some Afrobeats artists for diluting the genre in an effort to appeal to international audiences and increase revenue. He also expressed disappointment with the rising influence of the South African genre amapiano in Afrobeats clubs.
“The front guys are watering it down by just chasing the bags. I can’t remember the last time I heard a proper Afrobeats Song. It’s now Amapiano in Afrobeats clubs, not a proper Afrobeats song,” he lamented.
