Omah Lay Claims Afrobeats Artists Are Copying His Style

Afrobeats singer Omah Lay has claimed that his unique style is being copied by both Nigerian and international artists. He believes he pioneered a new sound in Afrobeats that many are now emulating.

In a recent interview with Billboard, Omah Lay said, “Artists from Nigeria and beyond are borrowing from the sound I introduced. It feels like everyone is trying to copy something I started.”

The ‘Soso’ singer also criticized prominent figures in Afrobeats for diluting the genre in an effort to appeal to international audiences and increase profits. He expressed dissatisfaction with the genre’s current state, noting the growing presence of South African amapiano in Afrobeats clubs.

“I’m not happy with what the pioneers of Afrobeats are doing. The leading artists are watering it down just to make money. I can’t recall the last time I heard a true Afrobeats song—now it’s mostly amapiano in Afrobeats clubs,” he lamented.