Nigerian singer Omah Lay has stirred controversy after claiming that the Afrobeats genre is largely dominated by the Yoruba ethnic group, making it difficult for artistes from other backgrounds to break into the Lagos music scene.
The singer, who hails from Port Harcourt, made the remarks during the listening party for his forthcoming album, Clarity Of Mind.
According to him, breaking into the music industry in Lagos was challenging and exhausting at some point because the genre is heavily centred there.
“Afrobeats is mainly Lagos. It is mainly Yorubas. Fela Kuti is the pioneer, we all know that and he is Yoruba,” he said.
Omah Lay noted that coming from Port Harcourt meant he had to work harder to gain recognition in the Lagos-based industry.
“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,” he added.
The singer also explained that he has now reached a stage in his career where he no longer seeks validation from the Lagos or global music industry.
“It got to a point I am like, you know what? I am going to take my time and look at my family and fans; people who really love me, I am going to stay there. The rest of you, the rest of the world, don’t love me. F**k off. That is it,” Omah Lay said.
