Afrobeats artistes are copying me – Omah Lay

• Omah Lay claimed he started a new sound of afrobeats which many of his colleagues are now copying.
• He accused afrobeats stars of watering down the genre in a bid to make more money.

Popular Nigerian singer, Omah Lay has shared his observations on the current state of the Afrobeats genre.

In a recent interview with Billboard, Omah Lay noted that many Nigerian artistes and beyond have been drawing inspiration from his unique sound, which he believes has become a benchmark for new Afrobeats music.

Omah Lay expressed concerns that the genre’s pioneers are prioritizing commercial success over authenticity, potentially changing the sound.

He also commented on the increasing influence of South African amapiano on Afrobeats, stating that it’s becoming more common to hear amapiano tracks in Afrobeats clubs rather than traditional Afrobeats songs.

He said:

“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.

“I don’t think I am happy with what the pioneers of Afrobeats are doing right now. 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”.

Omah Lay had earlier called out his colleague for stealing his album idea.

Omah Lay alleged that a colleague he shared the idea of what was supposed to be his next album with, stole the idea to make his own album.

He stated that he shared the idea with the unnamed colleague because they wanted to collaborate but the artiste went on to release an album with the same idea he shared with them.

Speaking on the Zach Sang Show, Omah Lay added that the incident made him re-record his album.