- Omah Lay (Stanley Omah Didia) was born on 19 May 1997 in Port Harcourt.
- His EP Get Layd (22 May 2020) made him a star, led by “Bad Influence” and “You”.
- His debut album Boy Alone was released in 2022 and includes “Attention”, a collaboration with Justin Bieber.
The short answer
Omah Lay is known for introspective songs about love, loneliness, fame and mental health. His soft, aching voice and his own production style gave Nigerian music a darker, more emotional mood. He belongs to a new generation of artists who made Afro-fusion personal.
Early life
Stanley Omah Didia was born on 19 May 1997 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and spent many of his teenage years at the Marine Base area of the city. He studied at the University of Port Harcourt. He comes from a musical family, and he began making music as a teenager, producing as well as writing.
Breakthrough: Get Layd
After a break from music, he returned in early 2020 with “Bad Influence”, followed by “You”. The EP Get Layd was released on 22 May 2020 and reached number one on the Nigerian Apple Music chart. It had five songs, including “Damn” and “Lo Lo”. That year he also won Next Rated at The Headies.
Projects
| Year | Project |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Get Layd (EP) |
| 2020 | What Have We Done (EP) |
| 2022 | Boy Alone (debut album) |
Boy Alone was released in July 2022, with a deluxe version in 2023. It deals with fame, grief and mental health. Singles included “Understand” and “Free My Mind”.
Justin Bieber and “Attention”
In March 2022 Omah Lay released “Attention” with Justin Bieber, their second collaboration. The song was included on Boy Alone and helped bring him to a global audience.
The Uganda arrest
In December 2020 Omah Lay and Tems were arrested in Kampala, Uganda, after performing at a concert, over alleged breaches of COVID-19 rules. The charges were dropped and both were released after about three days. The case drew wide attention, and many fellow African artists spoke up in support. Read our profile of Tems.
Sound
- Minimal, moody production, often by Omah Lay himself.
- Intimate vocals that sound like a diary.
- A mix of Afropop, R&B and alternative sounds.
- Themes of love, mental health and survival. See how music affects mood for how emotional songs affect listeners.
Where to start listening
- “Bad Influence” and “You”: the two songs that began his rise.
- Get Layd: the EP that made him famous.
- “Understand”: a reflective single from the debut album.
- Boy Alone: the debut album, best heard in order.
Common questions
- Where is Omah Lay from? Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
- Does he produce his own songs? Yes, he is credited as a singer, songwriter and record producer.
- Which song features Justin Bieber? “Attention”, released in 2022.
Quick facts
- Born 19 May 1997 in Port Harcourt
- Get Layd EP: 22 May 2020
- Won Next Rated at The Headies
- Debut album Boy Alone (2022)
- “Attention” with Justin Bieber (2022)
Key points to remember
Omah Lay proves that vulnerability can be a strength in music. For more artists shaping this era, see how Afrobeats went global.
