Happy 28th birthday to Stanley Omah Didia, known to the world as Omah Lay, the Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer who has taken the global music scene by storm with his soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and unique Afro-fusion sound! Born on May 19, 1997, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Omah Lay has become one of Africa’s most celebrated artists, blending Afrobeats, R&B, pop, and highlife to create music that resonates with millions. Here’s everything you need to know about the “Boy Alone” crooner, from his early life to his rise to fame, controversies, and more.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Omah Lay was born and raised in Port Harcourt, spending his childhood in Igwuruta, a town in Ikwerre, and his teenage years at Marine Base, a suburb of the city. Music runs deep in his blood, as he hails from a musically inclined family:
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His grandfather was a percussionist for the legendary highlife singer Celestine Ukwu until his death in 1977.
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His father was a drummer, playing casually around the house, which inspired Omah’s early love for rhythm.
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Omah Lay has credited his family’s musical heritage as a key influence, with his mother’s unwavering support fueling his passion. In a 2024 interview, he said, “Her love for me is my fuel… She trusts that I’m going to be a very awesome human being, and that keeps me going.”
He attended Comprehensive High School in Rivers State and later enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt, though his focus shifted to music early on. As a teenager, Omah Lay started as a rapper under the stage name Lil King, performing in a rap group before transitioning to music production.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Omah Lay’s journey to stardom began in 2019 when he moved from Port Harcourt to Lagos after signing with KeyQaad Records. Initially, he produced and wrote songs for other artists but felt uncredited for his work, prompting him to step into the spotlight as a solo artist. His early singles, “Do Not Disturb” and “Hello Brother”, gained traction on local radio stations in Port Harcourt.
In 2020, Omah Lay burst onto the global scene with his debut EP, Get Layd, released on May 22. The five-track project, featuring hits like “You”, “Bad Influence”, and “Damn”, showcased his ability to blend romantic melodies with introspective storytelling. “Bad Influence” became the most-streamed Nigerian song on Apple Music that year, and the EP topped Nigeria’s Apple Music charts. His unique sound, described as a mix of Burna Boy’s depth, Wizkid’s vibes, and Fireboy DML’s lyricism, earned him widespread acclaim.
Later that year, he released his second EP, What Have We Done, with tracks like “Godly” reaching number one on Nigeria’s Apple Music charts. His collaboration with Olamide on “Infinity” (from Olamide’s Carpe Diem album) further solidified his place in the industry.
Omah Lay’s meteoric rise was recognized globally:
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He was the first artist featured in Apple Music’s Africa Rising Campaign (July 2020).
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Named BET’s Amplified International Artist of the Month (November 2020).
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Included in BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Hot for 2021 list and Montreux Jazz Festival’s 20 Artists to Watch in 2021.
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Won the Next Rated Award at the 2020 Headies, beating out competitors like Tems and Oxlade.
Major Works and Achievements
Omah Lay’s debut album, Boy Alone (2022), is a landmark in his career. The 14-track project, featuring collaborations with Justin Bieber (“Attention”) and Tay Iwar, delves into themes of love, loneliness, and mental health. The album, which he described as “venting to my therapist—my microphone,” debuted at #82 on the Swiss Album Top 100, a first for a Nigerian and Afrobeat debut album. In 2023, the deluxe edition added more tracks, pushing the album past 1 billion streams on Spotify by May 2025. Hits like “Soso”, “Woman”, and “Understand” have become anthems across Africa and beyond.
Notable collaborations include:
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“Peaches” (Remix) with Justin Bieber and Alpha P (2021).
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“PAMI” with Wizkid, Adekunle Gold, and DJ Tunez (2020).
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“One Call” with SPINALL and Tyla (2024).
His music has earned him multiple awards, including Headies wins in 2020 and 2023, and nominations for Best R&B Single, Songwriter of the Year, and Viewer’s Choice.
Musical Style and Influence
Omah Lay describes himself as an Afro-fusion artist, blending Afrobeats, R&B, pop, hip-hop, and highlife. His music is characterized by:
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Introspective and authentic lyrics that reflect his experiences growing up in Port Harcourt’s tough streets, alongside stars like Burna Boy and Timaya.
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Lo-fi basslines, dark synths, and effusive ad-libs that create a moody, emotional vibe.
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A vulnerable storytelling style, as seen in tracks like “Soso,” which he called a “distress call for help.”
Influenced by artists like Drake, Tupac, Russ, and Lil Wayne, Omah Lay’s songwriting also draws from poetry and his Port Harcourt “slang,” which adds a unique cultural stamp to his music. He told Dazed, “The day I stop sounding like a boy from Port Harcourt is the day I stop making music.”
Controversies
Omah Lay’s career hasn’t been without challenges:
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Uganda Arrest (2020): On December 14, Omah Lay and Tems were arrested in Kampala, Uganda, for allegedly violating COVID-19 lockdown protocols after a concert. The artists claimed they were set up, and after two days in detention, the Ugandan government released them with an apology. The incident sparked outrage in Nigeria, with artists like Don Jazzy and Simi demanding their release.
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London Concert Controversy (2024): During his “Boy Alone” tour in London, Omah Lay invited a female fan, Jessani, on stage for a provocative dance during “Bend You”. The fan, who attended with her boyfriend, faced online backlash for “disrespecting” her partner. Jessani later clarified that her boyfriend had agreed to her participation, but the incident sparked debates about boundaries in relationships.
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Mental Health Struggles: In 2022, Omah Lay opened up about his battle with depression while recording Boy Alone, admitting he contemplated suicide. He tweeted, “When I looked people in the eyes, I saw doubt, disrespect, and hate… I thought I had lost it.” His candidness resonated with fans, highlighting the pressures of fame.
Personal Life
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Family: Omah Lay is close to his mother, who he credits for his drive. His only known sibling is his sister, Adanma. Little is known about his parents’ current status.
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Relationships: Rumors suggest Omah Lay is dating Gloria Eberechi, but he has not confirmed this. He is unmarried and has no known children.
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Net Worth: Estimates of Omah Lay’s wealth vary. Sources report figures between $500,000 (2021) and $1.2 million (2024), earned through music sales, streaming, endorsements (e.g., a $200,000 Apple Music Africa deal), and performances. His exact net worth remains unconfirmed.
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Recent Incident: In May 2025, Omah Lay was involved in a car accident in Lagos involving his two Tesla trucks. Thankfully, he emerged unharmed.
Social Impact and Advocacy
Omah Lay has been vocal about social issues, particularly the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria. In 2020, he told Harper’s Bazaar, “Police harass, extort, beat, and kill us just for being young and trendy, with no consequences. This has gone on long enough, and we are saying enough is enough.” His music often reflects the struggles of Nigerian youth, making him a voice for his generation.
Fun Facts
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Omah Lay’s stage name was inspired by his real name, Omah Stanley Didia, dropping the “Stanley” for a catchier moniker.
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He learned music production in 2019 to gain more control over his sound.
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His favorite collaborator, Davido, featured on a track that Omah Lay described as a “smash hit” he didn’t expect to be so big.
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He avoids reading books but loves writing poetry, which shapes his lyrical style.
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Omah Lay’s Get Layd EP slowed the tempo of Nigerian mainstream music during the 2020 lockdown, setting a new vibe for Afrobeats.
What’s Next for Omah Lay?
With Boy Alone still dominating charts and a growing international fanbase, Omah Lay is poised for even greater heights. His 2024 tour included stops in Dublin, Melbourne, Berlin, and Portimão, proving his global appeal. Fans are eagerly awaiting new music, with hints of upcoming collaborations and possibly a sophomore album.
Birthday Wishes
As Omah Lay celebrates his 28th birthday today, fans across the globe are showering him with love. From his heartfelt lyrics to his electrifying performances, he continues to make Port Harcourt and Nigeria proud. Here’s to more hits, more milestones, and more moments of keeping it real! #HappyBirthdayOmahLay
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