Afrobeats artist Omah Lay has expressed concerns that the Afrobeats industry is largely centered around Lagos and the Yoruba ethnic group.
Speaking at a listening party for his upcoming album, Clarity Of Mind, Omah Lay highlighted the challenges faced by artists from other regions, such as Port Harcourt, in breaking into the Lagos-dominated music scene.
Omah Lay noted that while the genre’s pioneer, Fela Kuti, was Yoruba, few artists from his own region, specifically himself and Burna Boy have attained comparable recognition in Lagos.
The singer stated that he is no longer seeking validation from the global or Lagos music industries.
He indicated that his future focus will remain on his family and core fanbase rather than pursuing broader industry approval.
“Afrobeats is mainly Lagos. It is mainly Yorubas. Fela Kuti is the pioneer, we all know that and he is Yoruba. 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.
“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,” he said.
Speaking at a listening party for his upcoming album, Clarity Of Mind, Omah Lay highlighted the challenges faced by artists from other regions, such as Port Harcourt, in breaking into the Lagos-dominated music scene.
Omah Lay noted that while the genre’s pioneer, Fela Kuti, was Yoruba, few artists from his own region, specifically himself and Burna Boy have attained comparable recognition in Lagos.
The singer stated that he is no longer seeking validation from the global or Lagos music industries.
He indicated that his future focus will remain on his family and core fanbase rather than pursuing broader industry approval.
“Afrobeats is mainly Lagos. It is mainly Yorubas. Fela Kuti is the pioneer, we all know that and he is Yoruba. 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.
“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,” he said.
