Afrobeat Not in Safe Hands, Says Omah Lay

Stanley Omah Didia, widely known by his stage name Omah Lay, has sparked a heated debate within the global Afrobeat community with his recent comments on the genre’s current state. The Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer, whose rise to stardom was meteoric thanks to hits like “Bad Influence” and “Godly,” has voiced concerns that Afrobeat is veering away from its roots and losing its authenticity as it gains worldwide popularity.

Omah Lay, who has been one of the leading voices in the new wave of Afrobeat artists, made these remarks during an interview with a prominent Nigerian media outlet. He expressed his fears that the genre is increasingly being influenced by commercial pressures and the expectations of international audiences, which could dilute its original essence.

“Afrobeat is not in safe hands right now,” Omah Lay stated emphatically. “I see so many artists chasing global recognition at the expense of our sound, our culture. Afrobeat was born out of the struggles, the celebrations, and the realities of African life. It’s not just a sound; it’s a story, and we have to be careful not to lose that.”

The artist, who is known for blending introspective lyrics with traditional African rhythms, emphasized that while global exposure is essential, it should not come at the cost of compromising the genre’s integrity. He pointed to the increasing influence of Western music trends on Afrobeat, which he believes could lead to a homogenization of the genre.

“We’re seeing a lot of fusion, which is great, but we need to be mindful of what we’re fusing with,” Omah Lay continued. “Afrobeat has its own identity, and it’s important that we maintain that. The world is listening to us now, and we need to stay true to what made Afrobeat special in the first place.”

Omah Lay’s comments have sparked a range of reactions from within the music industry. Some artists and producers have come out in support of his views, agreeing that there is a risk of Afrobeat losing its unique flavor as it becomes more mainstream. Others, however, argue that the genre’s evolution is a natural part of its growth and that Afrobeat artists should embrace new influences to stay relevant.

Omah Lay’s concerns harken back to the legacy of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the Nigerian musician and activist who is widely regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat. Fela’s music was deeply political, rooted in the social and political struggles of Nigeria and Africa at large. He combined traditional African rhythms with jazz, funk, and highlife to create a sound that was uniquely Afrobeat.

Over the decades, Afrobeat has evolved, with new artists introducing elements from various genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. While this has led to the genre’s global success, some purists argue that it risks losing the raw, unfiltered energy that Fela infused into his music.

Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is one of the artists who has been able to bridge the gap between the traditional Afrobeat sound and modern influences. His Grammy-winning album, “Twice As Tall,” is a testament to this, blending Afrobeat with elements of pop, dancehall, and reggae. Burna Boy has often spoken about the importance of staying true to his roots, even as he expands his sound.

Following Omah Lay’s comments, several prominent figures in the Afrobeat scene have weighed in on the discussion. Yemi Alade, a leading Nigerian singer known for her powerful vocals and energetic performances, acknowledged the importance of preserving the core of Afrobeat while still allowing for creative expression.

“Afrobeat is our heritage, and it’s crucial that we don’t lose that,” Yemi Alade stated. “But at the same time, music is about evolution. As artists, we need to find a balance between staying true to our roots and exploring new territories.”

On the other hand, Don Jazzy (Michael Collins Ajereh), a veteran music producer and CEO of Mavin Records, offered a more optimistic perspective. He argued that the global success of Afrobeat is a testament to its resilience and adaptability.

“Afrobeat has always been about blending different sounds,” Don Jazzy commented. “Even Fela was fusing African rhythms with jazz and funk. As long as we stay true to the essence of the music, Afrobeat will continue to thrive, no matter what influences we incorporate.”

Omah Lay, despite his concerns, remains optimistic about the future of Afrobeat. He sees himself as a custodian of the genre and believes that it is the responsibility of artists like himself to ensure that Afrobeat continues to reflect the realities of African life, even as it grows on the global stage.

“It’s up to us as artists to make sure that Afrobeat doesn’t lose its way,” Omah Lay concluded. “We need to remember where we came from and what this music represents. As long as we do that, Afrobeat will always be in safe hands.”

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Afrobeat is at a crossroads. The genre’s global popularity presents both opportunities and challenges, and how artists navigate this will determine the future of Afrobeat. Omah Lay’s call for introspection is a timely reminder that even as Afrobeat conquers the world, it must not lose sight of its roots.