Afrobeats singer Omah Stanley Didia, popularly known as Omah Lay, has claimed that the Nigerian music industry is deeply divided between supporters of Davido and loyalists of Wizkid.
The ‘Soso’ crooner made the claim during a recent interview with American music publication, The Fader, where he opened up about the structure of the Afrobeats industry and his relationship with some of its biggest stars.
According to Omah Lay, the current Nigerian music scene has become so polarised that artists often feel pressured to align themselves with one side or the other.
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He said the division largely revolves around the camps of Davido and Wizkid, two of the country’s biggest and most influential music stars.
“The whole Nigerian Afrobeats scene is very separated. It’s like if you’re with Davido, you’re on one side; if you’re with Wizkid, you’re on the other,” he said.
Omah Lay explained that he became uncomfortable with the direction in which the industry was heading, especially with the influence of what many fans call the Afrobeats “Big 3” – Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy.
The singer revealed that at one point in 2024, he decided to unfollow all three artists on social media.
According to him, the move was not motivated by personal hatred or conflict but by his dissatisfaction with the pattern he believed they had created in the music industry.
“Back in 2024, I actually unfollowed Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido,” Omah Lay said.
“I felt like they started something with Afrobeats that we needed, but it was an old pattern.”
The singer did not fully explain what he meant by “an old pattern,” but his comments suggest that he believes the current structure of the industry may no longer be serving younger artists or encouraging unity.
Over the years, fans of Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy have often clashed online over who is the biggest or most successful artist.
The rivalry has sometimes spilt into the industry itself, creating tension among artists, producers, and fans.
Many observers have long argued that the intense competition among the fan bases of the three stars has contributed to divisions within Afrobeats.
Omah Lay’s remarks have therefore sparked fresh debate about whether the Nigerian music industry has become too dependent on camps and alliances.
Despite his criticism of the industry, Omah Lay spoke warmly about his personal relationship with Davido.
The singer recently collaborated with the DMW boss on the song ‘With You’, and he described the experience as natural and enjoyable.
According to him, working with Davido changed the way he saw him.
He said the collaboration happened without pressure and allowed him to appreciate Davido’s personality.
“Doing that song made me fall in love with Davido as a person,” he said.
Omah Lay also defended Davido against critics, saying the singer receives a lot of hatred because of his wealthy background.
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, comes from one of Nigeria’s richest families.
His father, Adedeji Adeleke, is a billionaire businessman and the founder of Adeleke University.
Because of this, some people have often accused Davido of having an easier path in the music industry than other artists.
However, Omah Lay argued that Davido’s success cannot simply be reduced to his family background.
According to him, Davido has consistently shown a strong work ethic and determination.
He said the singer has “nothing to prove to anybody” because he has already achieved success on his own terms.
“Davido has a lot of haters because he comes from a wealthy family,” Omah Lay stated.
“But he has nothing to prove to anybody. His driving force is what makes him stand out.”
The comments have generated mixed reactions online.
While some fans agreed with Omah Lay’s claim that the industry is divided, others accused him of exaggerating the issue.
Supporters of Wizkid and Davido immediately began debating his remarks on social media, with many insisting that their favourite artist is simply more influential than the other.
Others, however, praised Omah Lay for speaking honestly about a problem they believe has existed in the industry for years.
Several music lovers argued that the rivalry between fan bases often overshadows the actual music and creates unnecessary hostility.
Some also noted that younger artists may feel pressured to choose sides to survive in the industry.
For Omah Lay, however, the focus appears to be on moving beyond the divisions.
The singer has increasingly positioned himself as one of the new-generation stars trying to redefine Afrobeats.
His earlier comments about the genre declining globally, as well as his desire to push the sound in a new direction, suggest that he wants a music industry that is less divided and more open to innovation.
Whether or not fans agree with him, Omah Lay’s latest remarks have once again highlighted the deep rivalries and loyalties that continue to shape Nigeria’s music industry.
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