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Afrobeat isn’t the new wave, we’re just finally catching on to how fire the genre is. Insert Omah Lay, the new hottest artist to come out of Nigeria — so much so that superstar Burna Boy recruited him to open for his arena shows overseas. At only 23 years old, Omah has proven his talents in creating heartfelt, meaningful records, injecting catchy rhythms, vivid storytelling, and undeniable vocals.

Most recently, Omah unleashed his newest single and visual for “Understand,” who’s music video hails over 13 million views and counting. This is Afro-fusion at its finest, and we can’t get enough.

On Monday, October 4th, Omah Lay shut down The Regent in downtown Los Angeles on The Purple Tour, with select dates across the United States. Sheen Magazine was in attendance for the concert, catching up with Omah Lay backstage moments before his performance. 

Love your outfit, what do you have on?

I got this Supreme Double [suit], my stylist got it for me. I feel good in it. [Laughs].

Being here in Los Angeles, how are you feeling?

I’m pretty excited, it’s my first time in LA.

Favorite song to perform in a set? 

I don’t have a favorite song. I’m just gonna go out there and do my thing. 

What is the crowd’s favorite song?

I don’t know, I feel like they love “Godly” a lot. They love “Bad Influence” a lot too. They love “Lo Lo” a lot. They love “Damn” a lot. I don’t know their favorite song. 

Any pre-show rituals? 

Yeah, I just talk to myself for a minute. Look at myself in the mirror, and that’s it. 

What do you tell yourself in the mirror?

A lot. [laughs]

What’s the meaning behind “Understand”?

“Understand” Is just one of the songs I made. It’s m y way of expressing heartbreak, that’s basically what “Understand” is. 

Did a girl break your heart?

Let’s not talk about it. [laughs]

What’d it mean to hop on the remix to Justin Bieber’s “Peaches”? Such a big song!

It meant a lot. Justin Bieber has definitely been one of the persons I looked up to. It’s a blessing, it’s a blessing to be on the remix. 

What inspires your fashion style?

I just go with the flow. I wake up in the morning, it’s a good day and I wear white. I go with the flow. 

Why is purple your favorite color? 

It just happened to be my favorite color. I love purple, I love black, but I go with purple a lot.  

Anything else you want the people to know?

I’m really excited, I can’t wait to see what the people are looking like. I’m excited to be in LA.

 

 

 

Featured Image by Bolaji Odukoya