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

Nigerian singer Omah Lay has expressed concern over the current state of Afrobeats, claiming that many artistes are no longer putting in the level of effort required to sustain the genre’s growth and quality.
Speaking during a recent conversation, the Soso crooner suggested that the industry is experiencing a creative dip, with some musicians prioritising quick hits over meaningful artistry and originality.
According to him, the global success of Afrobeats has led to increased pressure to produce commercially viable songs, which may be affecting depth, experimentation and authenticity in the music.
Omah Lay emphasised the need for artistes to return to intentional music-making, focusing on storytelling, sound development and long-term impact rather than short-term trends.
His remarks have sparked debate among fans and industry stakeholders, with some agreeing that the quality of music has shifted, while others argue that the genre is simply evolving.
Observers say the conversation reflects broader discussions about creativity, commercialisation and the future direction of Afrobeats on the global stage.