Omah Lay Criticizes the State of Afrobeats: Concerns Over Genre’s Direction and Influence of Amapiano (Video)

Nigerian singer Omah Lay has voiced his concerns about the current state of the Afrobeats genre, highlighting a shift towards commercialism that he believes is compromising the authenticity of the music. In a recent interview with Billboard, Omah Lay pointed out that many artists within and beyond Nigeria have been drawing inspiration from his distinctive sound, which he feels has set a new benchmark for Afrobeats.

However, Omah Lay is troubled by the direction the genre’s pioneers are taking. He expressed concern that these leading figures are focusing more on commercial success rather than preserving the original essence of Afrobeats. “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’s trying to copy something,” Omah Lay said.

He also addressed the rising influence of South African Amapiano music within the Afrobeats scene, noting that Amapiano tracks are now more commonly played in Afrobeats clubs than traditional Afrobeats songs. “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,” he added.

Watch the Q&A here:

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