Stanley Omah Didia (born 19 May 1997), known professionally as Omah Lay, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He gained widespread recognition with his self-produced track “Bad Influence” and debut EP Get Layd (2020). His music blends Afrobeats with contemporary R&B and trap elements.
Early life
Stanley Omah Didia was born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. He comes from a musical family; his grandfather played drums for Highlife musician Rex Lawson. He grew up in Marine Base, a riverine area of Port Harcourt, where he started making music at an early age.
Career
2019–2020: Early beginnings and breakthrough
Omah Lay initially worked as a producer and songwriter in Port Harcourt. In 2019, he relocated to Lagos to pursue his music career, signing with KeyQaad Records. He released his debut single “Do Not Disturb” in April 2019.
During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, he released “Bad Influence” which became a viral hit across West Africa. This was followed by his debut EP Get Layd, released in May 2020, which included singles “You”, “Lolo” and “Damn”. The EP peaked at number one on Apple Music Nigeria.
2020–2021: International recognition
In November 2020, Omah Lay released his second EP What Have We Done, featuring the hit single “Godly”. The same year, he was named Apple Music’s Africa Rising artist and received the Next Rated award at The Headies 2020.
In December 2020, Omah Lay and fellow singer Tems were arrested in Uganda for allegedly violating COVID-19 restrictions after performing at a concert. They were released after diplomatic intervention.
2022–present: Mainstream success
His debut album Boy Alone was released in July 2022 through KeyQaad Records and Warner Records. The album featured Justin Bieber on the single “Attention” and included hits like “Woman” and “i’m a mess”. The album has accumulated over 1 billion streams across platforms.
Musical style and influences
Omah Lay’s music is characterized by emotional vulnerability and introspective songwriting, blending Afrobeats rhythms with R&B melodies and trap production. He cites Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Drake as major influences. His lyrics often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and personal struggles.
Discography
Studio albums
- Boy Alone (2022)
Extended plays
- Get Layd (2020)
- What Have We Done (2020)
Singles
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | “Bad Influence” | NG: 1 |
| 2020 | “Damn” | NG: 3 |
| 2020 | “Godly” | NG: 1 |
| 2022 | “Attention” (featuring Justin Bieber) | US World: 62 |
| 2022 | “Woman” | NG: 2 |
| 2022 | “i’m a mess” | NG: 1 |
Awards and nominations
The Headies
| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Next Rated | Himself | Won |
| 2022 | Best Afrobeats Album | Boy Alone | Nominated |
Other awards
- AFRIMA Awards – Best Newcomer (2020)
- NET Honours – Most Popular Newcomer (2020)
- Apple Music Up Next Artist (2021)
Personal life
Omah Lay maintains a private personal life. He resides in Lagos, Nigeria, and has spoken openly about his struggles with depression and anxiety, which he often addresses in his music.
