Nigerian singer Omah Lay has revealed that he initially believed Afrobeats star Davido disliked him, an assumption that was later proven wrong and led to their Grammy-nominated collaboration “With You.” In a red carpet interview at the 2026 Grammy Awards, Omah Lay explained that his perception changed after seeing a video clip of Davido positively reacting to his music.
He described the moment as transformative, stating, “I thought we had a beef. I thought he didn’t like me.” This realization sparked a connection that resulted in what he called effortless “magic.” Despite their nomination, the Best African Music Performance award was won by South Africa’s Tyla.
Key Points:
The revelation provides a personal, behind-the-scenes look at the perceptions and potential misunderstandings that can exist between artists within the same industry.
It highlights the power of public validation from established stars in bridging gaps and fostering collaborations among newer talents.
The story underscores the organic and sometimes serendipitous nature of successful musical partnerships, moving from perceived rivalry to creative synergy.
Omah Lay’s initial assumption reflects a common anxiety among emerging artists regarding their standing with industry leaders.
Despite the personal triumph of the collaboration and nomination, the outcome reinforces the competitive and unpredictable nature of international awards.
The anecdote adds a humanizing layer to the artists’ professional journey, illustrating how a simple moment of recognition can dissolve barriers and catalyze significant creative and career milestones.
Sources: The Nation, OkayAfrica, Pulse Nigeria