Stanley Omah Didia (born May 19 1997) better known as Omah Lay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer who gained prominence in the music industry with his unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and trap. He first rose to fame with his hit singles like “Bad Influence” and “Godly,” showcasing his smooth vocals and relatable lyrics. Omah Lay’s debut EP, Get Layd, released in 2020, received widespread acclaim and helped establish him as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene.

Early Life And Education

Omah Lay was born and raised in the city of Port Harcourt, South South, Nigeria. He attended Comprehensive High School in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He initially pursued a degree in civil engineering at the University of Port Harcourt but eventually dropped out to focus on his music career. His decision to prioritize music over formal education has proven successful, as he has quickly risen to fame in the Nigerian music industry.

Career

Omah Lay’s career began in a rap group where he went by the stage name “Lil King.” At 16, he moved on to songwriting and producing for severals artists. He went solo in 2019 with the release of “Do Not Disturb” and “Hello Brother”.The same year, he signed to the record label named KeyQaad and began working on ‘Get Layd’, his debut EP.

In 2019, Omah Lay started releasing music independently. His early work garnered attention, leading to the release of his debut EP, Get Layd, in May 2020. The EP featured hit singles like “Bad Influence” and “Godly,” both of which received significant radio play and streaming success, boosting his net worth significantly.

In March 2022, he released “Attention”, a second collaboration with Bieber. The song was part of Lay’s debut album ‘Boy Alone’ released the same year. As part of the album release, Lay launched the Boy Alone Tour where he played in both the United States and Canada in 2022. During the summer of 2023, Lay released a deluxe version of this album ‘Boy Alone’.

He also released the single “Holy Ghost” in 2024 as well as a remix of the song where he collaborated with French DJ and producer Martin Solveig. The song topped the African streaming platforms with over 100 million streams.

In addition to his solo work, Omah Lay has collaborated with several artists, including Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, and Simi, further expanding his reach in the music industry. His style, which blends Afrobeat, R&B, and trap, resonates with a broad audience, and he is known for his smooth vocals and introspective lyrics.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Omah Lay has a net worth estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million. His wealth primarily comes from his music career, including album sales, streaming revenue, live performances, and brand endorsements. Omah Lay has rapidly gained popularity in the Nigerian music scene, and his financial success reflects his growing influence and fan base both locally and internationally. Keep in mind that net worth estimates can vary, and actual figures may differ based on various factors.

Arrest

On 14 December 2020, Lay was arrested alongside Tems after they performed in a show in Uganda. The Ugandan Police authority identified violation of COVID-19 lockdown protocols as the reason for their arrests. The artists felt they were set up. Two days later, the Ugandan government released the two, apologised for the arrests and cleared them of wrongdoing.

Personal Life

Omah Lay has been linked to a few individuals in the past, but he tends to keep details of his dating life out of the spotlight. He has expressed in interviews that he focuses on his music and career but occasionally shares insights about his life through social media.

Omah Lay is also vocal about the challenges he has faced as a young artist, including dealing with fame and the pressures that come with it. He has used his platform to discuss mental health and personal struggles, aiming to connect with his fans on a deeper level.

Awards and Recognition

Omah Lay has received numerous awards and nominations, including the 2021 Headies Award for “Next Rated” and an MTV Europe Music Award for “Best African Act.” His music continues to gain international recognition, solidifying his position as one of the leading figures in contemporary Nigerian music.

His singles, particularly “Bad Influence” and “Godly,” have topped various music charts in Nigeria and beyond, earning millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Omah Lay has a strong social media presence, with millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and Twitter. His ability to engage with fans has contributed to his popularity.

His music has received praise from critics for its innovative blend of genres and relatable lyrics, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary Afrobeat.

Influence And Impact

Omah Lay has made a significant impact on the music industry, particularly within the Afrobeat genre and the broader African music scene.

As a young artist, Omah Lay represents a new generation of Nigerian musicians. His lyrics often reflect the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of young people, making him relatable to his audience. This connection has helped him become a voice for youth empowerment and expression.

Omah Lay has been open about his struggles with mental health, using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being. By sharing his experiences, he encourages dialogue around mental health issues, which is often stigmatized in many cultures.

Omah Lay’s unique sound blends Afrobeat, R&B, and trap, contributing to the global popularity of Afrobeat music. His ability to mix traditional African sounds with contemporary influences has resonated with both local and international audiences.