Rising Afrobeats sensation Omah Lay has officially ended his professional relationship with talent manager Muyiwa Awoniyi, bringing to a close a partnership that helped propel the young artist to international recognition.
The announcement came via Awoniyi’s X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, where the seasoned industry executive confirmed the split in characteristically diplomatic terms. “With love and respect, I am no longer managing @Omah_Lay. That’s my brother, and I wish him all the best in his endeavors for life!” Awoniyi wrote, suggesting the separation was mutual and amicable.
The timing of this announcement is particularly significant, coming at a crucial juncture in Omah Lay’s rapidly ascending career. The Port Harcourt-born singer, whose real name is Stanley Omah Didia, has become one of Nigeria’s most promising young talents, with hits like “Soso,” “Godly,” and “Bad Influence” earning him millions of streams worldwide and establishing him as a key figure in the new generation of Afrobeats artists.
Awoniyi’s departure from Omah Lay’s camp marks the end of what appeared to be a successful professional relationship that saw the artist’s career trajectory soar to new heights. Under Awoniyi’s guidance, Omah Lay secured major collaborations, international recognition, and a growing global fan base that extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The talent manager, who has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most astute operators, continues to represent Grammy-winning R&B sensation Tems, whose meteoric rise to global stardom has cemented Awoniyi’s status as a formidable force in artist management. His portfolio has also previously included Nigerian-Canadian singer Nonso Amadi, demonstrating his ability to nurture diverse musical talents across different markets.
While neither party has disclosed the specific reasons behind the split, industry insiders suggest that such separations often occur as artists evolve and seek different strategic directions for their careers. The cordial tone of Awoniyi’s announcement indicates there are no underlying conflicts, with both parties likely focused on their respective futures.
For Omah Lay, this transition represents both a new chapter and a significant test of his ability to maintain his upward trajectory independently or with new management. The 27-year-old artist has demonstrated remarkable consistency in his output and has cultivated a devoted fan base that transcends geographical boundaries.
As the dust settles on this professional divorce, the music industry will be watching closely to see how both parties navigate their separate paths forward, with fans hoping that this change will ultimately benefit all involved in what continues to be one of Africa’s most dynamic and globally influential music scenes.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Omah Lay, one of Nigeria’s hottest Afrobeats stars, has amicably split from his talent manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi—the same industry heavyweight who manages Grammy winner Tems. This marks a pivotal moment for the “Soso” hitmaker as he transitions to managing his rapidly growing international career independently, with both parties maintaining mutual respect despite the professional separation.
