‘Artistes aren’t putting effort anymore’ — Omah Lay laments Afrobeats’ decline

Afrobeats star Omah Lay has delivered a blunt assessment of Nigeria’s music scene, warning that a growing obsession with quick success is eroding the depth and quality that once defined the genre.

In a recent appearance on ViewsFrance, the singer said the industry is gradually shifting away from creativity, with many artistes no longer investing enough effort in their craft.

Nigerian music is drifting towards a place where artistes are not putting so much effort into the art anymore,” he said, pointing to what he sees as a worrying change in priorities.

According to him, the situation goes beyond sound, touching on culture itself, as superficial output begins to shape how Afrobeats is perceived globally.

“And that is also hurting my culture. Most artistes are just playing with music these days and really aren’t trying to improve the sound or the whole creative process around it.”

Omah Lay argued that the rush for commercial gain is now influencing younger listeners and upcoming acts, creating a cycle where lower standards are normalised.

“It is just quick money, and it is really dipping the audience and the new generation. That level of music is what they are growing to, and they are even doing worse,” he said.

While he acknowledged that Afrobeats’ international expansion has opened doors for African artistes, he hinted that the same exposure may be contributing to the problem.

“I don’t want to blame the globalisation of Afrobeats for that, but that could also be one of the reasons.

“Generally, it is a good thing that Afrobeats is happening in the world, and people are getting to know us from our music. But I just wish we could strive to raise the bar a little more with the craft,” he said.

The ‘Soso’ crooner recently announced his sophomore album titled ‘Clarity of Mind’.