Omah Lay has become a transcendent figure in the world of Afro-fusion, and his new song showcases this. This is his first solo release in nearly a year, and he has delivered a song with important messaging and an intoxicating beat.
Omah Lay is from Nigeria, and the 25-year-old has already had an extremely successful early career. The West Africa native has brought many creative elements to the genre of Afro-fusion and Afro-beat, even showcasing some rap talents.
Omah Lay’s Early Career
Starting his career in 2019, Omah Lay has kept up his momentum with an impressive discography. Two EPs, “Get Layd” and “What Have We Done”, introduced his soft and beading vocals with some truly vibrant production. Omah Lay’s debut album, “Boy Alone”, remained true to his sound with his reassuring vocals balancing amongst bouncing production.
The list of collaborations Omah Lay has had in his career is quite astounding. Other Afro-fusion stars like Tyla and Naomi Sharon have created beautiful tracks and even worked with Justin Bieber on a truly bumping track.
Omah Lay has more in store for fans, as this most recent single is a tease for more to come. His new single, “Moving”, comes along with the announcement of his album, “Clarity of Mind”, coming out this winter.
A Perfect Afro-Beat
As with any Afro-fusion song, the beat and production of the track must be discussed, the beat is perfectly simple, with a looping hit of a snare hitting most of the off-beats. The very diminished bassline in the background carries an important role, independently moving the song while fluctuating in volume to create this swaying effect.
The rest of the mix is splendid, especially the emerging guitar that comes in around the halfway point. The lightness of the guitar really brings out the swaying and relaxing energy I discussed, as only a couple of notes are needed to induce this atmosphere.
The lyrics carry heavy meaning as well, with the constant repeating of “moving” symbolizing the time strain of Omah Lay himself. This constant struggle for time pushes him not to be able to have time for important things, like maintaining a relationship or being able to have serious conversations.
Omah Lay would rather spend his time on things that he enjoys, or in simple terms, “Time is to have fun.” The music video brings forth a whole new meaning to the lyrics, demonstrating the true artistry Omah Lay operates.
Omah Lay Changing Meaning with Music Video
The music video takes place in a dry desert, with Omah Lay driving in a big pick-up truck, for only the truck to break down. Thankfully, he is helped by some local Nigerian refugees, who he returns to help out, by giving them a ride and even saving one from dying of thirst.
“Moving” now turns into Omah Lay wanting to dedicate more time to helping those in need, like refugees from his home country. The line, “You can tell that I ran out of time”, puts it plainly, that Omah Lay has perhaps realized the amount of time he is putting towards music and his career and wants to atone for the time he has spent.
Maybe these will be themes that will follow on his album coming this winter, but we will see. I am excited to see what other things Omah Lay can create in the Afro-fusion genre and excited to see how he moves going forward.
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