Omah Lay Claims Afrobeats Tied to Yoruba and Lagos Scene

Nigerian singer Omah Lay has sparked controversy by asserting that the Afrobeats genre is primarily linked to the Yoruba ethnic group and the Lagos music scene. He expressed his struggles as an artist from Port Harcourt, stating that he has worked hard to earn a place in the Lagos music industry but feels exhausted by the challenges.

Omah Lay emphasized that he is no longer seeking validation from the Lagos global music industry, highlighting his love for his fans and family. He acknowledged the historical contributions of Fela Kuti, a pioneer of the genre, and noted that while artists from Port Harcourt, like himself and Burna Boy, strive to break into the Lagos-dominated scene, they often face significant hurdles.

Omah Lay's comments reflect a broader discussion about regional representation in the Nigerian music industry.