Nigerian artistes no longer put effort into making music – Omah Lay

Afrobeats star, Omah Stanley Didia, popularly known as Omah Lay, has expressed deep concern over the decline in the quality of Nigerian music and Afrobeats in general, in recent years.

The singer delivered a blunt assessment of Nigeria’s music scene in a recent appearance on ViewsFrance.

He warned that a growing obsession with quick success is eroding the depth and quality that once defined the genre.

According to him, the industry is gradually shifting away from creativity, with many artistes no longer investing enough effort in their craft.

“Nigerian music is drifting towards a place where artistes are not putting so much effort into the art anymore,” he said, pointing to what he sees as a worrying change in priorities.

Omah Lay argued that the situation goes beyond sound, touching on culture itself, as superficial output begins to shape how Afrobeats is perceived globally.

“And that is also hurting my culture. Most artistes are just playing with music these days and really aren’t trying to improve the sound or the whole creative process around it.”

Also Read

• Lagos has raised the bar in quality project delivery — Tinubu
• Whereabouts of activist remain unknown after police arrest 
• Iroye: Personal recollections and tales of a Nation, by Michael Olatunbosun 
• What we discussed with de-recognised ADC — PDP faction
• UCL: Atletico Madrid beat 10-man Barcelona at Camp Nou

The Soso crooner claimed the rush for commercial gain is now influencing younger listeners and upcoming acts, creating a cycle where lower standards are normalised.

“It is just quick money, and it is really dipping the audience and the new generation. That level of music is what they are growing to, and they are even doing worse,” he said.

While he acknowledged that Afrobeats’ international expansion has opened doors for African artistes, he hinted that the same exposure may be contributing to the problem.

“I don’t want to blame the globalisation of Afrobeats for that, but that could also be one of the reasons.

“Generally, it is a good thing that Afrobeats is happening in the world, and people are getting to know us from our music. But I just wish we could strive to raise the bar a little more with the craft,” he said.

Omah Lay recently announced his sophomore album titled ‘Clarity of Mind’.

Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp

[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']