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Omah Lay Claims Afrobeats Is Declining Overseas and Vows to Revive Global Momentum
Nigerian singer Omah Stanley Didia, popularly known as Omah Lay, has stirred conversation after stating that Afrobeats is losing its strong grip in Western markets.
Speaking during his Lagos Warehouse Session on Thursday night, the artist said the global wave that once defined Afrobeats a few years ago has started to slow down, particularly outside Africa.
“Overseas, Afrobeats is declining. It is facts. Our artistes are doing really great but the Afrobeats that you guys used to know in 2020–2024, are not the Afrobeats you know now anymore,” he said.
Despite acknowledging the success of Nigerian artists individually, Omah Lay suggested that the collective global momentum of the genre is not as strong as it once was.
He also revealed that he has been closely studying his musical influences, searching for ways to reignite the sound and push the culture forward.
According to him, his forthcoming efforts and sound direction could inspire fellow artists to elevate their craft and help restore Afrobeats’ dominance on the international stage.
Omah Lay talking about the decline in Afrobeats. Opinions? pic.twitter.com/IFJIzJNfHk
— Duygu (@DuyguOlolade) April 3, 2026
Speaking on a recent episode of the Nando Leaks podcast, the singer described himself as someone with a “weird” personality, noting that it naturally limits the number of people he keeps around him.
According to Omah Lay, he prefers a small, intentional circle made up of individuals who genuinely understand his journey and creative direction.
“I have a very weird personality, I believe I am just that guy, so I don’t have a lot of friends. I don’t talk to a lot of people, just very few people and those people are people who try to come into my world and understand where I am going,” he said.