Omah Lay is one of Nigeria’s most well-known innovators, and his darkly sparkling vocals, evocative storytelling, and infectious rhythms are what make people talk about him.
The 25-year-old singer and producer’s unique brand of Afro-fusion effortlessly draws on both his intensely personal experience with the percussion-heavy highlife music of West Africa and his enthusiasm for the prevailing sounds of his generation, such as classic rap and the Afro-beats industry thriving in his hometown of Lagos.
His lithe voice deciphers tales that range from introspective to romantic to gratifyingly explicit, expertly laid over lush and soulful instrumentals, throughout his two inventive EPs, Get Layd and What Have We Done.
Omah Lay’s rich music, which is layered with evocative scenes and heartfelt confessions, not only shows a young man being brave enough to reveal his dirtiest vices and deepest emotions, but also serves as an intriguing window into the exciting and expansive future of Afro-fusion.
Lay first appeared in a rap group as “Lil King,” his stage name. Later, he began writing songs and producing music, largely uncredited work that led to the April 2019 release of “Do Not Disturb.” A month later, “Hello Brother” was made available.
In June 2019, he signed with the KeyQaad record label before taking a seven-month break.
He worked on his first EP, Get Layd, during the break. “I started working on it in August [of 2019],” he said to OkayAfrica.
I eventually had to stop using social media, avoid many distractions, and maintain my composure in order to finish the project. “Bad Influence” was the first song I ever recorded for Get Layd. Before the songs we had to include on the project, I had done it that way.
After the break, he dropped “Bad Influence,” which by the end of 2020 had amassed the most streams of any Nigerian song on Apple Music. He just dropped Woman.
Boy Alone Review
Boy Alone, in Omah Lay’s opinion, is a reflection of his artistic ability and how he overcame many expectations of what he ought to be or ought to be doing to find himself.
Boy Alone’s meaning is also based on the author’s personal demons and the many difficult experiences he has gone through, including losing friends and family. These events had an impact on the album’s name, “Boy Alone.”
Boy Alone meaning reflects the various experiences Omah Lay has had that have left him feeling alone and as if the world were caving in around him.
Boy Alone implies, at least in part, that the suffering Omah Lay has endured is not diminished by the fact that he has had a remarkably successful debut since the release of his debut Extended Play (EP).
Although his journey has been a lonely one, Boy Alone meaning does not discount the blessings he has received. He expresses gratitude to those who supported him when he felt at his weakest.
Omah Lay explained what Boy Alone means in a post on Instagram:
I’m thankful,
I’m thankful for finding my way back to music after a whole year dealing with my demons…Maybe I’ll share more on that when I’m ready.
I’m thankful for the blessings and experiences that have shaped my music since my debut. Expectations of what, who and how I should be meant no room for the real me. But I am growing and re-discovering myself. Being the best me is a must.
Lastly, I am thankful for your patience as I worked to make this album a reflection of my artistry, struggles, blessings and my journey so far. Can’t wait to share it with you.