As people around the globe found themselves confined to their homes during the COVID 19 pandemic, the demand for fresh and uplifting music arose, Omah Lay’s unique sound, characterised by smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics, was exactly what listeners needed.
The Genesis: Breaking Out During a Lockdown
Stanley Omah Didia, that you might know as Omah Lay, comes from Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Before “Get Layd’’, Omah Lay was relatively unknown outside of his hometown, where he had been quietly honing his craft. Four years ago, amidst the uncertainty and isolation of a global lockdown, Omah Lay released his debut EP, “Get Layd.” This wasn’t just any release; it was a musical phenomenon that swept through the Nigerian music scene and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the global music landscape.
The EP wasn’t just a collection of songs; it was a powerful statement, a raw and honest exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery that featured five tracks: “Bad Influence,” “Lo Lo,” “Ye Ye Ye,” “Damn,” and “You.” Tracks like “Bad Influence,” “You,” and “Damn” quickly became anthems, capturing the mood of a generation grappling with the complexities of life and love in a world turned upside down. It climbed the charts at a record-breaking pace, holding the #1 spot for an unprecedented 11 weeks, dominating the airwaves and streaming platforms during a time when music provided much-needed solace and connection, earning Omah Lay a loyal following.
The Global Sensation
Following the release of Get Layd, Omah Lay’s rise was meteoric. The EP’s success saw him become a household name in Nigeria almost overnight. Later in 2020, Omah Lay released his second EP, What Have We Done, featuring American rapper 6lack, on the remix of “Damn“. This follow-up project solidified his presence in the music industry and showcased his ability to evolve as an artist.
Omah Lay’s growing popularity opened doors to collaborations with international artists. One of the most notable of these was with Justin Bieber on Omay lay’s Attention. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in Omah Lay’s career, highlighting his ability to cross over into different markets and attract a global audience.
Today, as we celebrate four years since “Get Layd” first captivated the world, Omah Lay’s music has been “Therapy” for millions of Nigerians both home and abroad and it’s clear that the EP wasn’t just a moment in time, but a turning point in Omah Lay’s career.
It laid the foundation for a young artist who dared to dream and continues to push boundaries with his sound, and inspire a generation of music lovers with the raw power of music.
As we celebrate this milestone, we honour Omah Lay’s contributions to music and his role in bringing African sounds to the global stage. Happy anniversary, Get Layd—here’s to many more years of groundbreaking music from Omah Lay.
