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Nigerian singer Omah Lay has stirred controversy online after sharing his thoughts about the structure of the Afrobeats music scene and the challenges faced by artists from outside Lagos.
The “Soso” hitmaker made the remarks during the listening party for his upcoming album Clarity Of Mind, where he spoke openly about his personal experience navigating the Nigerian music industry as an artist from Port Harcourt.
During the conversation, Omah Lay suggested that the Afrobeats genre is largely centred around Lagos and dominated by Yoruba influence. According to him, musicians from other regions often have to struggle harder to establish themselves within the industry’s main hub.
“Afrobeats is mainly Lagos. It is mainly Yorubas. Fela Kuti is the pioneer, we all know that and he is Yoruba. I am from Port Harcourt and you have to break into Lagos. There are only two people from PH that you know; Burna Boy and me,” he said.
The singer explained that building a career in Lagos, which is widely regarded as the centre of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, required significant effort and persistence on his part.
He noted that coming from Port Harcourt meant he had to fight harder to earn recognition in a music ecosystem that already had established networks and cultural influence.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of that journey, Omah Lay admitted that the experience sometimes became overwhelming.
“I am from Port Harcourt and you have to break into Lagos,” he reiterated, explaining that gaining acceptance in the Lagos music scene felt like a major hurdle for artists from other parts of the country.
Despite the difficulties, the singer said he has reached a stage in his career where he no longer feels the need to constantly seek validation from the broader music industry.
Instead, he said his focus has shifted to the people who genuinely support his work—his fans and family.
“It got to a point I am like, you know what? I am going to take my time and look at my family and fans; people who really love me, I am going to stay there,” he said.
He added that external approval from the wider entertainment world no longer matters to him as much as it once did.
“The rest of you, the rest of the world, don’t love me. F**k off. That is it,” he concluded.
The comments have quickly circulated across social media platforms, sparking intense discussion among fans and industry observers. While some listeners agreed with his perspective that Lagos dominates Nigeria’s music industry, others argued that Afrobeats has grown into a global genre that includes artists from many different backgrounds and regions.
Lagos has long been considered the heart of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, housing major record labels, music producers, media platforms, and performance venues. As a result, many emerging artists relocate to the city in hopes of gaining visibility and opportunities.
However, Omah Lay’s remarks have revived conversations about regional representation in the music industry and whether artists from outside Lagos face additional barriers when trying to build successful careers.
The singer, who rose to prominence in 2020 with hits like Bad Influence and Godly, has since become one of Nigeria’s most recognised contemporary Afrobeats voices. Known for blending Afrobeats with elements of R&B and soul, he has built a loyal fan base both in Nigeria and internationally.
As anticipation grows for his forthcoming project Clarity Of Mind, Omah Lay’s comments have once again placed him at the centre of public conversation—this time not just for his music, but for his candid reflections on the structure of the Nigerian music industry.
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