Nigerian music sensation Omah Lay has sparked reactions online after his candid response to his first-ever Grammy nomination, declaring that while he’s thrilled about the recognition, awards don’t define him.
The soulful singer, whose real name is Stanley Omah Didia, earned his debut Grammy nod alongside Davido for their chart-topping collaboration “With You” — nominated in the highly competitive Best African Music Performance category for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards set to hold on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Taking to his Instagram stories shortly after the announcement, Omah Lay expressed both excitement and indifference, writing, “I’m excited about this Grammy nomination haha, but fr fr I don’t give a sh!t about awards. Yeah, but I really want it for OBO! He is the realest friend I’ve had in a while; he stood by me during my hardest times.”
His raw honesty has since ignited massive conversations across social platforms, with fans praising his humility and loyalty to Davido, popularly known as OBO (Omo Baba Olowo). Music critics have also commended the singer’s emotional transparency, noting that it sets him apart in an industry often obsessed with trophies and validation.
Omah Lay, who rose to prominence in 2020 with hits like “Bad Influence” and “Godly,” has since evolved into one of Afrobeats’ most soulful exports, blending deep lyricism with smooth rhythms. His Grammy recognition marks a new milestone in his global journey, following the success of his sophomore album “Boy Alone Deluxe.”
Meanwhile, Davido, who has now received four Grammy nominations, is yet to secure a win despite dominating the African music landscape for over a decade. His fans are hopeful that 2026 could finally be his year, with “With You” emerging as one of the continent’s most-streamed collaborations of the year.
The Recording Academy’s Best African Music Performance category continues to spotlight Africa’s vibrant sounds, with other nominees this year including Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, and Tyla. As excitement builds for the ceremony, Omah Lay’s statement has reshaped the conversation — reminding the world that real artistry often transcends awards.
