Rising Afrobeats star Omah Lay has showered praise on industry heavyweight Davido, hailing him as a “legend” and teasing an upcoming collaboration that promises to be a game-changer. The revelations came during Omah Lay’s appearance on The Baller Alert show on September 28, 2024, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into the dynamics of Nigeria’s thriving music industry and the global ascendance of Afrobeats.
The announcement of the collaboration comes as a surprise to many, following months of speculation about a potential rift between the two artists. In a moment of raw honesty, Omah Lay addressed the elephant in the room.
“There was a time I thought Davido hated me,” the Port Harcourt-born singer admitted, referencing a cryptic social media post from earlier this year that had fans speculating about behind-the-scenes tension. “But working with him on this track, I realized how wrong I was. Davido is not just an amazing artist; he’s an incredible person.”
This revelation marks a significant turning point in the relationship between the two artists, showcasing the collaborative spirit that has become a hallmark of the Afrobeats genre.
While details about the upcoming track remain under wraps, Omah Lay’s excitement was palpable as he described the creative process.
“Actually, we have a song, and it’s coming out soon,” he shared, his eyes lighting up. “I am very excited about the record because it’s something I never imagined would be this great and cool. The way we got along and made the record is so cool.”
Music producer Kel P, who has worked with both artists in the past, offered his insights on the collaboration: “When you get two talents like Omah Lay and Davido in the studio, magic happens. Their styles complement each other in ways that might surprise fans. This track has the potential to be a global hit.”
The conversation inevitably turned to the international rise of Afrobeats, a genre that has taken the global music scene by storm in recent years. Omah Lay was quick to acknowledge the role of pioneers like Davido in paving the way for younger artists.
“Davido is a legend. He is big big,” Omah Lay emphasized. “When we talk about the rise of Afrobeats in the US, there are several notable stars from Nigeria, but Davido is undoubtedly one of the biggest.”
Despite the praise and collaboration, Omah Lay was candid about the competitive nature of the Nigerian music scene. “While there’s mutual respect among us, the competition is what keeps us striving to be the best,” he explained.
This sentiment was echoed by fellow artist Rema in a separate interview: “The beauty of Afrobeats is that we push each other to excel. One day you’re competing, the next you’re collaborating. It’s all love, but it’s also about constantly raising the bar.”
As news of the collaboration spreads, fans and industry insiders alike are speculating about its potential impact. Music journalist Motolani Alake shared his thoughts: “This collaboration could be a defining moment for both artists. Davido brings his international clout and years of experience, while Omah Lay contributes his fresh sound and growing fanbase. It’s a potent mix.”
While Omah Lay remained tight-lipped about the track’s title and release date, he hinted that fans won’t have to wait long. “It’s set for release soon,” he teased. “All I can say is that it perfectly matches our vibe. Get ready.”
The interview also touched on Omah Lay’s upcoming sophomore album, a project that has faced its share of challenges. In a surprising revelation, the artist disclosed that he had to start the album from scratch after his initial concept was allegedly stolen by another artist he had confided in.
“It was a tough moment,” Omah Lay confessed, the frustration still evident in his voice. “But in a way, it pushed me to dig deeper and create something even better. Sometimes setbacks are just setups for comebacks.”
As the interview drew to a close, it was clear that Omah Lay’s words had painted a vivid picture of the current state of Afrobeats – a genre marked by collaboration, healthy competition, and an unwavering drive for global recognition.
The upcoming collaboration between Omah Lay and Davido stands as a symbol of this new era. It represents a bridge between established legends and rising stars, a fusion of styles that promises to push the boundaries of what Afrobeats can be.
As fans eagerly await the release of this highly anticipated track, one thing is certain: the future of Afrobeats is bright, and collaborations like this are lighting the way forward. In the words of Omah Lay himself, “Get ready.” The world of Afrobeats is about to evolve once again.
