Nigerian singer Omah Lay has opened up about the challenges he faced while trying to break into the Lagos-based music industry, stating that the Afrobeats scene is largely centred in Lagos and dominated by Yoruba artists.
The singer made the revelation during the listening party for his forthcoming album titled “Clarity Of Mind.”
During the event, the Port Harcourt-born artist explained that establishing himself in the Nigerian music industry was not easy because the centre of the Afrobeats movement is in Lagos.
According to him, the genre traces its roots to legendary musician Fela Kuti, who played a major role in shaping the sound that later evolved into modern Afrobeats.
Speaking about the structure of the industry, Omah Lay said: “Afrobeats is mainly Lagos. It is mainly Yorubas. Fela Kuti is the pioneer, we all know that and he is Yoruba.”
He added that artistes coming from outside Lagos often have to work much harder to gain recognition.
The singer, who hails from Port Harcourt, noted that only a few artistes from the city have managed to achieve global recognition in the Afrobeats industry.
He mentioned Burna Boy as one of the few successful artists from the region.
Omah Lay said: “I am from Port Harcourt and you have to break into Lagos. There are only two people from PH that you know; Burna Boy and me.”
Omah Lay further revealed that the pressure to gain acceptance in the Lagos-centric music scene became overwhelming at a point in his career.
The singer said he eventually decided to shift his focus away from seeking validation from the wider industry and instead concentrate on the support he receives from his close circle.
He explained that the love from his family and loyal fans has become his main source of motivation.
“It got to a point I said I’m going to take my time and focus on my family and fans — the people who truly love me.”
