Stanley Omah Didia, the well-known Nigerian artist recognized as Omah Lay, openly disclosed that the abrupt surge in his fame had a detrimental effect on his mental well-being, sharing this revelation during the recent installment of the Afrobeats Podcast.
In his candid discussion, particularly focusing on his experience as the ‘Soso Crooner,’ he admitted to an initial struggle in grappling with the pressures of newfound celebrity status but eventually managed to find a sense of equilibrium and stability in managing the demands of his growing prominence.
“It was a jump; at first I struggled, and it put me in a bad mental state because I was still trying to learn my ways. However, with time, I got more comfortable and learned that I’m running my race and that I should move at my own pace.
“There was pressure. You don’t expect to move from one crappy laptop or spending all your life in the studio to being a global superstar. It’s just like they brought you from just starting music production to this right here (points at equipment in the studio): ‘You go lost.’
“As soon as I learned and realised that, I became much stronger and started to enjoy my life more.”
Omah Lay also stated he had no issues coming out to the public to talk about his vulnerabilities.
“If I can put my vulnerabilities in my song, then I can talk about them. My music is all about my real-life experiences, and I know everybody in the world is listening to it.”
Omah Lay, renowned for his hit tracks including “Soweto,” “Forever,” “Understand,” “Godly,” and “Bad Influence,” has previously shared his personal struggle with thoughts of suicide and depression, shedding light on the emotional challenges he has faced.
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