Nigerian singer and songwriter, Omah Lay, has expressed disappointment over what he describes as the growing lack of excitement and originality in the country’s music scene.
Speaking during a recent interview, the “Understand” crooner said the Nigerian music industry, once known for its innovation and cultural influence, is becoming “boring” due to repetitive sounds and a decline in authentic artistic expression.
According to him, many artists have become more focused on chasing trends than creating unique sounds that connect deeply with audiences. “Everybody is just trying to sound the same. It’s like nobody wants to take risks anymore,” Omah Lay said. “Afrobeats used to have soul, but now it feels like a routine.”
The award-winning artist, who rose to fame with his hit singles “You” and “Bad Influence,” noted that the global success of Afrobeats should not come at the cost of its originality. He urged his colleagues to return to storytelling and emotional depth in their music, which initially set Nigerian artists apart on the world stage.
Despite his concerns, Omah Lay reaffirmed his love for the industry and hinted that his upcoming projects would reflect a more experimental and authentic sound.
His comments have sparked mixed reactions among fans and fellow musicians — while some agree with his sentiment about the industry’s creative stagnation, others argue that Afrobeats remains vibrant and continues to evolve globally.
