“I Don’t Care About Awards, But I Want It for Davido” — Omah Lay Opens Up on Grammy Nomination and Industry Loyalty

Nigerian singer Omah Lay has sparked heartfelt reactions across social media after sharing his candid thoughts about the recently announced Grammy nominations. While expressing indifference toward personal recognition, the “Godly” crooner revealed that his deepest wish is to see Davido win, calling it a moment that would mean a lot not just for the artist but for the entire Nigerian music industry.

In an era where global awards often define an artist’s career trajectory, Omah Lay’s words came as both refreshing and revealing. Speaking during a recent interview following the announcement of the Grammy nominees, he admitted that he doesn’t really care about awards or the validation that comes with them. Yet, his tone softened when Davido’s name came up, saying, “I don’t care about awards, but I want it for Davido. He deserves it.” The statement quickly went viral, stirring emotional reactions among fans who praised his humility and loyalty.

For many observers, Omah Lay’s comments highlighted a rare show of solidarity in an industry often defined by rivalry and silent competition. In the global Afrobeats scene, where artists are constantly compared based on chart positions and streaming numbers, Omah Lay’s statement sounded almost revolutionary — a reminder that recognition and mutual respect among artists can coexist without ego or envy. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with messages applauding his sentiment, calling it a “breath of fresh air” and a sign of maturity that reflects the new generation of Nigerian artists.

Davido, who received a nomination in the “Best African Music Performance” category for his hit single “Unavailable” featuring Musa Keys, has long been one of Nigeria’s most celebrated music exports. His nomination was hailed as a defining moment for Afrobeats, especially as the genre continues to dominate international charts and festivals. The singer, who has been in the industry for over a decade, has often spoken about his struggles to gain recognition from international award bodies despite his global influence. His fans — known as the 30BG (30 Billion Gang) — have been vocal about how much a Grammy win would mean, not just to Davido, but to every artist who has followed in his footsteps.

Omah Lay’s words struck a deeper chord because they came from an artist who himself has been nominated for several awards and has seen significant international success. Known for his introspective lyrics and smooth vocals, Omah Lay represents a generation of artists who prioritize authenticity over accolades. His debut album Boy Alone and its deluxe version explored themes of loneliness, mental health, and self-discovery — a stark contrast to the flashy lifestyle often portrayed in Afrobeats. When asked about his views on awards in general, Omah Lay said that while recognition is nice, it doesn’t define him as an artist. “I make music because it’s what I love to do. I’m not chasing trophies. But when I see someone like Davido get nominated, I feel proud. He has done so much for the culture,” he said.

Social media has since erupted with mixed reactions, with many praising Omah Lay for his humility, while others interpreted his statement as a reflection of the unspoken pressure many young artists face in the Nigerian music space. “Omah Lay is real for saying this,” one user tweeted. “In an industry full of competition, he chose to celebrate another man’s success. That’s how it should be.” Another added, “Davido winning a Grammy would be like all of Nigeria winning. He’s put in work for over 10 years, no breaks, no shortcuts.”

Indeed, Davido’s Grammy nomination comes after years of consistency, evolution, and undeniable influence. Since breaking out with his 2011 hit “Dami Duro,” he has remained at the forefront of the Afrobeats revolution, collaborating with international stars such as Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby, and Latto. His 2023 album Timeless earned widespread acclaim, debuting on the Billboard 200 and streaming platforms across the world. For many fans and fellow artists, this Grammy nod feels like overdue recognition for his contribution to globalizing Nigerian music.

Omah Lay’s support also underscores a growing sense of unity among Nigerian musicians who are beginning to see their individual successes as part of a larger cultural movement. In the past, Nigerian music was often segmented by fanbase wars — Wizkid FC, 30BG, Burna Boy fans, and more — but in recent times, there has been a visible shift toward mutual respect and collective celebration. Artists like Rema, Ayra Starr, and Fireboy DML have all openly supported one another’s milestones, suggesting a new chapter for Afrobeats where camaraderie replaces competition.

Industry analysts say Omah Lay’s statement could mark an important cultural shift. “When a younger artist like Omah Lay publicly roots for someone like Davido, it sends a powerful message about the value of respect and unity in Nigerian music,” said one Lagos-based entertainment critic. “Afrobeats has reached a global level, but to sustain it, artists need to keep supporting each other. This moment shows that maturity.”

Interestingly, Davido himself has often expressed love and encouragement for emerging artists. He has collaborated with many young talents and is known for his generosity in giving platforms to up-and-coming musicians. His mantra, “We rise by lifting others,” has become something of a moral compass for his brand. Omah Lay’s words seem to echo that same energy — a cycle of mutual upliftment that could define the future of Nigerian music.

The Grammys, set to take place in February 2026, have generated significant buzz within the African entertainment community. Alongside Davido, other Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Asake have also received nominations in different categories, making it one of the most competitive years yet for African talent. However, Omah Lay’s statement reminds fans that beyond the glitz of trophies lies a deeper story of perseverance, brotherhood, and cultural pride.

As the anticipation builds, fans around the world are watching closely to see if Davido will finally bring home the coveted Grammy trophy. But regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear — the sense of unity displayed by artists like Omah Lay marks a defining moment in the evolution of Afrobeats. It’s a moment where the music transcends rivalry, and artists celebrate each other’s wins as shared victories for the culture.

In an age where fame often breeds isolation and competition, Omah Lay’s words stand out as a beacon of sincerity — a reminder that while awards may fade, legacy and solidarity endure. “I don’t care about awards, but I want it for Davido,” he said simply, but those words may just be remembered as one of the most honest statements in recent Afrobeats history. Whether or not Davido wins the Grammy, this moment — of respect, support, and genuine brotherhood — already feels like a win for Nigerian music.