Nigerian Afro-fusion singer Omah Lay has opened up about his emotional battles and the dark period he endured following his rise to stardom. The “Understand” crooner shared that the pressures of fame, personal loss, and public expectations nearly broke him mentally, forcing him to confront struggles he never anticipated at the beginning of his career.
In a candid revelation, Omah Lay, whose real name is Stanley Omah Didia, spoke about the overwhelming nature of success and how it affected his sense of self. The singer said that while fans often celebrate his achievements, few realize the emotional weight that comes with being constantly in the public eye. “People see the glitz, the hits, and the fame, but they don’t see the battles we fight behind closed doors,” he said.
The Port Harcourt-born artist explained that his mental health began to decline at the height of his fame, especially after the release of his debut album, Boy Alone. He said that despite his growing popularity and financial success, he felt isolated and emotionally drained. “There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed,” he confessed. “I felt empty even when I was surrounded by people.”
According to Omah Lay, the period following his breakout success was one of self-discovery but also deep pain. He revealed that he struggled to balance his creative demands with the need to maintain his emotional well-being. “I was making music for millions of people, but I was losing touch with myself,” he said. “It got to a point where I started questioning everything — my purpose, my happiness, my relationships.”
The singer also reflected on the impact of social media on his mental health, admitting that constant public scrutiny and criticism made him feel misunderstood. “The internet can be very toxic,” he noted. “You log in and see people judging your every move. They forget you’re human too.” He said he eventually learned to detach himself from online negativity and focus on his healing process.
Omah Lay credited music as both his coping mechanism and form of therapy. He said his songwriting allows him to express emotions he cannot share openly, which is why many of his lyrics are deeply personal. “When I sing, I’m not just performing; I’m releasing what I carry inside,” he explained. “That’s why my songs come from a real place — pain, love, confusion, and hope.”
The singer acknowledged that he had to step away from the spotlight temporarily to prioritize his mental health. During that period, he said he reconnected with his family and found comfort in spirituality and self-reflection. “I had to remind myself that I’m more than the artist people see,” he said. “I’m a son, a friend, and a human being trying to figure life out.”
Omah Lay’s openness about his emotional struggles has earned him praise from fans and mental health advocates who commend him for breaking the silence around mental illness in the entertainment industry. They noted that his honesty encourages others, especially young creatives, to seek help and not suffer in silence.
The artist said he now feels more grounded and focused, with a renewed sense of purpose. He encouraged fans to prioritize their mental well-being, emphasizing that “it’s okay not to be okay.” “We all go through things,” he added. “The key is to talk about it, face it, and keep moving.”
As he continues to evolve both personally and professionally, Omah Lay says his experiences have shaped his music and given him a deeper understanding of life and love. He hopes his journey serves as a reminder that vulnerability is not weakness but strength — and that even in moments of darkness, healing and hope are possible.
