Nigerian singer Omah Lay has offered his insights into the current landscape of Afrobeats.
In a recent Billboard interview, he observed that numerous artists, both in Nigeria and beyond, have been influenced by his distinctive sound, which he feels has set a new standard for the genre.
Omah Lay voiced concerns that the genre’s pioneers are focusing more on commercial success than on maintaining authenticity, which could alter the sound of Afrobeats.
He also noted the growing impact of South African amapiano on the genre, observing that amapiano tracks are increasingly dominating Afrobeats clubs, overshadowing traditional Afrobeats music.
He said:
“The artists coming out from Nigeria right now, not just Nigeria but afrobeats in general are taking a bit of my stuff, the stuff I started, everybody tryna copy something.
“I don’t think I am happy with what the pioneers of Afrobeats are doing right now. The front guys are watering it down by just chasing the bags.
“I can’t remember the last time I heard a proper Afrobeats Song. It’s now Amapiano in Afrobeats clubs, not a proper Afrobeats song”.
