Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Stanley Omah Didia, better known by his stage name Omah Lay, has shared heartfelt advice for young and upcoming musicians who are hoping to break into the highly competitive music industry.
The ‘Soso’ hitmaker took to his official X account (formerly Twitter) to speak directly to the next generation of artists. In his post, he encouraged them to observe, learn from, and even imitate his style as a shortcut to success.
He wrote:
“Dear new generation, study and copy me, you will reach there quick.”
The statement, though brief, stirred reactions online and shed light on Omah Lay’s growing influence and confidence as a leader in the Afrobeats movement. It also echoed a long-standing tradition in music where newcomers build on the success and lessons of those before them.
Omah Lay, known for his deeply emotional lyrics and smooth fusion of Afrobeat and R&B, has never been shy about his mission in the industry. In previous interviews and social media posts, he had boldly declared his intention to be one of the leaders of Afrobeats’ new wave.
He has also claimed to have created a “new sound”, one that he believes will soon shape the future of the genre. This self-assurance has become part of his public persona, and his growing discography seems to back up his ambition. Tracks like Soso, Understand, and Bad Influence have not only topped charts but also influenced the sound of emerging artists across the continent.
While some may view Omah Lay’s message as overly self-assured, others see it as the words of an artist who understands his worth and wants to inspire others to find their footing. His suggestion to “copy” him may not mean mere imitation, but rather studying the work ethic, sound evolution, and artistic discipline that got him to where he is today.
Omah Lay’s rise to fame was not by chance. He started as a producer in Port Harcourt before stepping into the spotlight with his debut EP, Get Layd, which took off in 2020. Since then, his career has been marked by steady growth, global recognition, and consistent releases that showcase his unique sound.
Fans react to Omah Lay
Many fans and music lovers on social media supported his advice. Some agreed that young artists need to study successful musicians to understand the business, master their craft, and create a sound that resonates with audiences. Others praised him for being honest about how the music industry works.
One user responded, “He’s not wrong. Study those who are winning if you want to win too.”
Another wrote, “This is confidence and it’s well-earned. Omah Lay changed the game with his sound.”
However, not everyone agreed. A few critics questioned the idea of copying another artist’s style, warning that it could lead to a lack of originality in the industry. “We don’t want 100 Omah Lays,” one commenter posted. “We want fresh sounds, not clones.”
Still, Omah Lay’s message reflects a wider conversation in the music world about mentorship and influence. His willingness to guide young artists, even indirectly, shows his desire to give back to the culture that shaped him.
By encouraging others to learn from him, Omah Lay not only highlights his confidence but also accepts the role of a mentor, something few young artists are willing to take on so early in their careers.
As Afrobeats continues to expand beyond Africa and attract global attention, voices like Omah Lay’s will likely play a bigger role in shaping the genre’s future. Whether his advice leads to imitation or innovation remains to be seen. But one thing is clear Omah Lay wants the next generation to succeed, and he believes his story can help them get there faster.
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