In 2020, a 23-year-old artist from Port Harcourt caught the attention of Afropop fans. Little was known about him, but his music stood out with its sweet voice and sharp songwriting. Songs like “Bad Influence” and “You” built the mystique of Stanley Omah Didia, resonating with a generation feeling lost during a difficult time in history.
Omah Lay had a breakout year with his project ‘Get Layd,’ filled with captivating sounds. Songs like “Lo Lo” and “Ye Ye Ye” complemented his earlier hits, while “Damn” became a major success. Influenced by R&B and emotional themes, Omah Lay also infused his music with the vibrant energy of Port Harcourt’s social life.
People started talking about Omah Lay’s debut album late last year. Its upcoming release was seen as the next big step in his successful career. Omah Lay had already made a name for himself with two EPs and was very popular on streaming platforms. His collaboration with Justin Bieber on the early 2022 single “Attention” boosted his growing global fame and lined up with his world tour.
The album’s production really stands out right away. In a music scene with lots of mid-tempo beats, Omah Lay chooses something original. Each of the fourteen songs has its own unique sound, matching the artist’s unusual style. They all come together on a smooth, rhythmic base. Sometimes, like on “i’m a mess” and “purple song,” there’s an emotional feel, using mood-focused guitars to create a soft atmosphere. The songs “never forget” and “soso” pick up the pace and help keep the album’s rhythm going at key moments.
Omah Lay navigates each beat with the skill of a seasoned artist, despite being in the spotlight for just over two years. He crafts a wide-ranging and cohesive story of young life, exploring different aspects of melancholy. He shows the paradox of feeling high when he’s low, making intriguing and witty connections while balancing bluntness with finesse.
The album begins on an aspirational note. “Only the real fit recognize/ Only the ship wey believe e no go capsize,” he sings in the opening lyrics of “recognize”, keeping the runtime minimal as he effortlessly enters “i”. He’s even more aware of his grind here, utilising its winding second verse to urge more freedom and “dance from night till the morning.” Even though the sounds are soft, they’re very affirmative records which set the mood for the album’s somewhat militant nature.
As we dig into the album more, songs like “Temptations” and “Never Forget” show how Omah Lay stays strong despite tough times. It’s common that after facing battles, memories can come flooding back. “Temptations” talks about his romantic struggles, honestly admitting how his bad choices hurt his partner’s feelings. He sings, “Even with all these temptations in my life, you still support me,” showing her love even though it strains his family relationships. It’s a real and relatable story that many young men might recognize from their own lives.
Omah Lay’s voice is like a magical instrument. Normally, it’s smooth and controlled. But he can change it to fit any style he wants. He can sound smooth and charming in one song (“bend you”), then switch to heartfelt R&B in another (“temptations”), or even rap-like in yet another (“never forget”). Life can be boringly predictable, but you never know what Omah Lay’s voice will do next. Just reading his lyrics doesn’t capture the full picture. You miss out on the unique sounds he adds, like his catchy Ikwerre-inflected adlibs, which often become the best parts of a song.
Boy Alone’ is a memorable debut album. Every part of it fits into the breathtaking whole, one of the very first mainstream albums from Nigeria to dissect the phenomena of mental health on this scale.
‘Boy Alone’ is a personal work. It’s as personal as the title suggests, and Omah Lay, making art from the sprawling details of youthful existence, might just have created a classic Afropop album. The resolve of that assertion would be tested by time, but right now this album surely ranks among the most important offerings of 2022.
English