Omah Lay: Tiny Desk Concert

This year's Black History Month celebration at the Tiny Desk features a carefully crafted lineup spanning many genres, generations and walks of life. Each artist represents the best in their class and will be performing at the Tiny Desk for the first time.
Bobby Carter | February 28, 2023
Omah Lay brought a calm demeanor and a bright smile to his time at NPR headquarters. By the third song of his Tiny Desk concert, “soso,” I realized that the Nigerian star was exercising lots of emotions through this set. The first two titles, “Bad Influence” and “i’m a mess,” are self-explanatory, yet the message of “soso” - that he’s yearning for something to take his pain away - could get lost in the song’s upbeat rhythms. At any rate, Omah Lay’s performance showcases a songwriter grappling with all the feels, unafraid to share them with the world.
Omah Lay rose to prominence during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic with his debut EP, Get Layd. In a short time, he’s joined the slew of African artists who’ve dominated dance floors and infiltrated America with Afro-fusion music. The feat is extraordinary and bittersweet, given that when he first broke through, the music industry was in a frenzy and the clubs closed. But songs like “Lo Lo” and “Free My Mind” resonated despite not booming in the big speakers, and he kept working until it was safe to come back out - and landed even more hits. He made the trip from Nigeria exclusively for the Tiny Desk and brought his band, The Raw Soundz, from Ghana, plus percussionist Boogie and singers Monet Shelton and Domo Abrams. Together, they flipped selections from Omah’s catalog, including a new version of his hit “understand” with a twist.
SET LIST
“Bad Influence”
“i’m a mess”
“soso”
“never forget”
Medley: “Infinity,” “bend you,” “understand”
MUSICIANS
Omah Lay: vocals
Ernest "Subroza" Osei-Bonsu: guitar
Donald Crentsil: keys
Kwabena Kyeremeh Adade: drums
Leroy "Boogie" Greer: percussion
Steve Millar: bass
Domo Abrams: vocals
Monet Shelton vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Sofia Seidel
Audio Mix: Josh Rogosin
Audio Assistant: Josephine Nyouani
Production Assistants: Jill Britton, Ashley Pointer
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Pilar Galvan
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #omahlay #nprmusic

[@nprmusic]

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

[@miracle1799]

Coool ❤ omahlay

[@stephaniejohn4078]

Nice one

[@georgemuriithi2303]

Nice 👍, enjoying it from Nairobi, kenya. Kindly You need bring souti soul from Kenya here 🔥🔥

[@babualiKe]

Not really! Omah Lay is enough!

[@ANDERSON-sx4nq]

Them two ladies in the background is gorgeous omahlay bro

[@MOHAMEDSAMA-ww4pm]

Omahlay you forever be my favorite artist in the world because i love your sound and the way you sing your songs

[@MaroEfifena]

He’s naturally very shy so seeing him like this is really commendable

[@abstraqtphilosophy7357]

An artist that can't perform live in a small room to live instrumentals and no effects ain't no artist at all. He's a charlatan

[@josh0833]

Extremely talented though. It’s extremely inspiring.

[@The_gear_head_]

This comment did not age well

[@garyhines9880]

@@josh0833extremely? Idk bout that he can barley sing well

[@garyhines9880]

@@EYEAM1NDY world tour = talent? Ok great so lil Pump, sexxy Redd and Ice spice are talented to then with that logic. Never said he don’t make good music and doesn’t deserve whatever he has. Just that this performance was the moment I realized he can’t actually sing very well and is not that talented. Nothing wrong with that

[@albertlaccrey]

You guys need to bring SAUTI SOL out here. Hands down the best live performers in AFRICA

[@agnesmomodu5790]

Flavour nabania, Dbanj, Tubaba, Burna boy are all great on stage too.

[@saididavis7697]

sure albert umengea broo

[@Chasemovement]

​@@agnesmomodu5790 don't forget CAVEMEN 📢📢

[@tream_tones_ent]

Sauti sol

[@Loraine_Muthoni]

They only bring Nigerians it seems, 3yrs and counting since we started to request for Sauti Sol

[@shanelmmapula676]

If nigeria feels this performance is not good let them give us this guy in SA😅😅🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍💖💓

[@Lekanpourtout]

Lol una no fit see o 🤣🤣

[@Jasmine-ji2lf]

This man is a raw and REAL talent. Where he comes from there’s no vocal coaches and vocal lessons. He saw his talent and worked hard to get out there and make a name for himself with what he has, what God just naturally gave him and clearly it has done well for him. Sometimes it’s the rawness and the emotion and that makes a song feel real. Not everyone needs to sound perfect for it to be enjoyable 🙏

[@mamiasieduwaa3407]

i couldn't agree more!!!! the guy clearly enjoys what he does n we love him for that❤️❤️

[@EYEAM1NDY]

so refreshing to see this comment yes girl 🩵 cause there’s a few mfs not understanding that in this comment section smh

[@KAPORALEE]

YES

[@sheriffamoo5495]

There are no vocals coaches in Nigeria?? Are you for real??

[@yokulguy]

Tracks: 0:00 Bad Influence 2:35 Band intro 3:30 I’m a mess 7:14 Soso 9:50 Never forget 13:47 infinity 14:42 Bend you 15:17 Understand

[@ursulan4552]

J’ai mis du temps à comprendre 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂MERCI !

[@Bellestayready]

@@ursulan4552ถ้าคุณใช้จิตวิญญาณในการฟังเพลง คุณจะเข้าใจได้ทันที.

[@nasseralkhamis1874]

Legend

[@chibuikefrancis7581]

Legend

[@dreamboyofficial4417]

Omah lay dope no vocal problem he is dopeeeeee❤🎉🎉🎉

[@Fadelita]

You’re kidding right? Loll

[@DanielOnowaro]

High star chief🫡...a performance to be remembered 👌

[@chriskoriginal]

Wow Nigerians stay winning. NPR is a major platform. Love from Ghana

[@firstclasssergeant1936]

@@laurawilliams4087 cry blood

[@shamsideenetti]

Don't forget the Ghanaians behind the instrumentals 🙌🙌🙌, Love from Naija

[@wendychristabel6816]

Even if Omah lay was just breathing, it’s everything for me Thanks!

[@mischeveusme]

This man's music 🎶 I'm in love with all of it.

[@preciousdavid693]

You can actually feel and hear the emotion in his voice

[@GoodluckOnwuchekwa-fm2lg]

Ahh swr

[@mgma8677]

he out of tune....

[@yellaninpoppin9919]

Discovered Omah during Covid in 2020 which lead me to Rema, Wizkid, and Kiz Daniel. Got me through so much. Looking forward to seeing what Omah has for Afrobeats future. Underrated.

[@timotoys]

❤ you can really hear Omah Lay has been through a lot. His voice is reflecting so much sadness ibut its beautiful.

[@ibrahimdarfourh215]

I really love this guy and his songs

[@akeemshobukanla8356]

100% organic performance by one of the Best out of many from Naija, Africa. I adore you Omah Lay keep repping us,the world is yours to Take Over!

[@obazeeprosper3314]

I love Omah Lay to death and can sing most of his songs word for word but I feel like he needs a vocal coach for performances like this especially and on stage too. ❤ and light

[@gbubemia]

Most Nigerian musicians are like that. Burna Boy is exceptional live! Most of them depend on lip synching when performing live shows

[@9jalyricstube.143]

He needs coach Burna

[@yaababansimba5274]

@@gbubemia really ? I’m disappointed..

[@happinessimuetinyan4855]

This is Afrobeats and not R&B. Vocal coach is not required for this genre

[@firstclasssergeant1936]

@@gbubemia will you shut up. Go and listen to another music genre and leave afrobeat alone since you are perfect, nonsense !!

[@MsMimso]

Omah Lay !!! Don’t listen to any bad comments That was raw and I loved it! seeing your true you made me love you more ♥️

[@dee24874]

Next up...OXLADE ON NPR TINY DESK🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾( wishing on it).

[@krissklaus1214]

Even if this performance was for 1 hour I'll still steam it Omah Lay is simply my Best All Time Artist in the World.. I can't get enough of "PURPLE SONG" from his debut album.. I Love You Omah Lay.. Keep winning

[@dmedilicious8488]

After watching this, i think Nigerian music producers and mixers need to be given 70-80% of what the artists make

[@thelma2084]

I was enjoying this so much, why did I read the comments lol. I don’t know this artist and I think this is great

[@thelma2084]

I’m going to need the Nigerians or whoever here to calm down with the complaints

[@felixgrayy]

It’s a great concert. People just have made their judgment already from social media

[@alvinekotcho1402]

The pb is this is not very similar to what the actual song sounds like. His voice breaks, sometimes he's off. But yeah the performance is okay. But not to the level we're we have him as fans. I was very disappointed when I went to his concert. So I kinda expected this when I heard about the live song

[@alphonsinepoufong7217]

I love his voice, a deep voice, raw but melancholy, I love it! it's his signature, part of his identity, he doesn't necessarily need to have voice lessons, if you expected him to sing like Withney Houston it would be to want to transform him into something that he is not necessarily. It is because he has this voice that we took the two ladies behind with high-pitched voices to balance . Continue like this to give us Omah lay from you.

[@Mktrills]

Very authentic 100% loved it , it made me cry

[@reddsolocupp]

TBH, it sounds like he has the case of the nervousness in his voice. My bro, Omah Lay is an amazing talent. I'm still with him ✊🏽🇳🇬

[@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799]

You think is easy to easy to with some strangers in a studio

[@josh0833]

Bro Is amazing

[@pemphomackie7727]

Exactly he was just shy , nervous

[@seanjoe1121]

He is not nervous anything. This is he's real voice. You see them very well when no studio mix

[@seanjoe1121]

​@@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799what are you saying. If you're a good musician it shouldn't matter who's singing with you. If they add studio mix now you won't know he was shy

[@aviringrid9871]

Sometimes it doesn't have to sound perfect. Just real, free, personal. Like on kids' playground during break. Thanks NPR for nicely Lay-ing this..

[@Zeekebuka]

Underrated comment.

[@damathekid2545]

I felt like crying when he was performing "soso"😢😢❤❤ ...

[@Allthingswealth]

Me too it was terrible

[@angeloflap]

all of us... 🫠

[@raceabakalwa3171]

@@Allthingswealth you say what,,,🖕🖕

[@mardiyaz4287]

I dont see anything wrong with this performance!! He sounds raw and great❤❤❤

[@David_hertz_keyz]

Sure and that’s what I respect 🫡 about the performance

[@esel2297]

1:22 that line was CLEAN

[@jessicafelix3379]

same here ,chilling straight fire

[@terradaktal8318]

Garbage Garbage performance

[@sleekism]

I'm not an expert but he seems to have good vocal potential, but he's not hitting those notes correctly and harmonically, i think a good vocal coach will take him there. He's still talented

[@vincentodima4112]

Please have a SAUTI SOL performance for once. Not just the best in Kenya but the entire world. Cheers!

[@collo2words]

I support hands down best live perfomance in The world and Africa

[@LoveByLyn]

I was expecting a little bit more from him, but I love NPR for broadening their horizon with artists from different musical and cultural backgrounds. We appreciate the inclusion!

[@isildocumbane6694]

His musics are the sources of our expactance to see more, than this. I also expected a little bit more from him.

[@adeolaemmanuel9434]

A little bit more of what ? Him no try reach ?😂😂 nawa

[@kemetstudio2502]

I agree

[@ChinwubaChikwado-hi6cy]

I like him performance here

[@towoawawaboofficial]

Mics and settings, not the best mic for a super star 😂😂😂

[@akpovetadesmond2822]

People are saying he did rubbish. I don’t see any rubbish here 🤷🏾‍♂️ Heater’s 🤦🏾‍♂️ Nice performance 👍🔥👏❤️💯

[@misterx2dvs]

Horrible 🗑️🗑️

[@karelaudrill5205]

The performance was good cause he transmitted the emotions needed, but don’t say people are haters because the studio version and the live version are very different! It’s normal that people have to comment

[@sherif8298]

Love from France and Algeria. ❤❤ Love the way Omah is singing, the women behind sublimate his performance

[@nancykili4329]

This is one of the best Afrobeat tiny desks. Omah is so talented. I love it when he sings live.

[@sheilaajjie]

I just got reminded of how obsessed I was with’Bad Influence’ 😭😭😭💜💜

[@screamjar6488]

Never heard of this man but im a fan now

[@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799]

You under a rock 🪨

[@shaquillebadman6249]

Big up to his producers and mixers. They are doing wonders because wow

[@Altcoindaily2]

Autotune simple

[@miebiomukoro1671]

@@Altcoindaily2 his voice on his songs doesn’t even sound like it’s heavily auto tuned.

[@YonelisaWambi]

Sounds trash bro

[@youtubecommentator6757]

Abomination. They really carried this TDC

[@preyebipupre4799]

It’s bursting my head💀

[@Streve.]

Omah lay ❤ don’t change for anyone nor anything. Your good.

[@climaxtv1213]

Y'all be saying Omah didn't perform well, y'all wanted him to be jumping?? He did perfectly well 💜!!!

[@Certi-S]

nah he just hit some flat vocals, still hard tho

[@CarlaSophieMar]

Thank you for introducing to Omah Lay, and his Afro-fusion music 🙂💛

[@michellkristensen6827]

Love his voice, his songs and lyrics ❤️he’s definitely refreshingly unique ❤️

[@dangeorge9883]

Guy is so unique. His sound is very authentic 👌. And he is a lyricist on 🔥

[@magicalmysterymix]

Omah Lay’s music’s so refreshing!! This tiny concert’s a true gem 💎

[@darlenemeans7896]

I've been listening to all omah lay songs on repeat non stop for the last 2 months. This is such a treat. My African brethren bringing soul music back to life. I am so thankful for this vibe.

[@IandIpowa]

Yessir 🤞🏾

[@proudamerican4613]

African music has been therapy for Africans for many years. The world is just seeing it because of social media. Afrobeat and amapiano have been African therapy for over 1000 years. Technology and social media is showing and transporting African music to the world now. Enjoy it.

[@brandy1770]

SAME!

[@vukanihlophe6295]

Hes my number 1 now toppling Burna

[@kaybel5104]

He sounded fantastic. You have no idea what you are talking about.

[@orfsmn1659]

Hello from Japan🇯🇵 Thank you for amazing music!!!

[@schokolade565]

I listen to "Soso" daily. ❤️ from 🇨🇦 🇬🇭

[@sunshi9]

Never Forget still remains my favorite Omah Song ever. There is something it does to me I can’t just explain. 😢

[@chimavictory8793]

On God, that song is so beautiful. One the most beautiful song I've heard

[@erohdaniel4012]

I love never forget too❤️

[@dimegi1558]

I rewatched this video and I say it is a great performance what else we want

[@NsibidiOshe]

I love the Drummer 🥰🥰💖💖🤗✨He's such a Vibe!😂🥰🤍🤗✨

[@BenimanMusic]

This is the prime example of a talented artist who is finding his live voice! Check him out in a little bit he will improve and all those comments wont matter! These songs are very well put together Omah i see your big heart and the talented individual that you are! Thank you for this perfomance!

[@famousmwofficial8046]

And this comment is a prime example of hyping subpar talent just because it's someone from the same country/city/continent as you..

[@BenimanMusic]

@@famousmwofficial8046 🤣🤣

[@PoptheballoonDaily2]

​@@famousmwofficial8046🤣🤣🤣

[@stephenhumphrey8885]

He's quite good in live performance. I've watched a lot of his performances

[@JEM3]

Big ups to the band and singers!!! 🙌🏽

[@dabereuko6140]

NPR let’s get Femi Kuti on here if we can. It’ll be such a treat

[@sven1240]

This is actually good. I don’t know why Nigerians were dissing this performance. Raw talent 🎉

[@dmedilicious8488]

It's not good. Be real

[@Delighttonyoutube]

I like the drummers face while he’s playing

[@tiza8339]

let pray for this guy he is really going through alot

[@mmulongo]

I appreciate you omah lay ..your songs are relatable and comfort me in my dark and light times🧿🧿🙏❤️

[@sohoblue2]

Love this! I really enjoy hearing his real voice. Beautiful

[@fidelfredy8117]

Fantastic Omah Lay Amazing - ANd The Band are also Adorable - I Love the Song Of Guitar

[@user-qg7pt6sl2o]

The full Ghanaian instrumentalist section got me happy use who sabi do am❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@thomasstewart280]

He's truly become one of my favorite artist lately .. Loved the vibe

[@joshuamoyo-sq8vx]

My best artist omah lay♥️♥️♥️♥️ with love from Lusaka Zambia

[@infinityrobot]

SET LIST - Bad influence - 0:00 - I’m a Mess - 3:30 - Soso - 7:13 - Never forget - 9:51 - Medley: "Infinity," "bend you," "understand" - 13:46

[@cd.cd.cd.cd-cd]

nice...so he didnt do his biggest hit "Woman" I see

[@firstclasssergeant1936]

@@cd.cd.cd.cd-cd Woman is not his biggest hit. He have many better hit than woman

[@cd.cd.cd.cd-cd]

@@firstclasssergeant1936 I dont know if its technically his biggest hit but it seems to be the one that has become most mainstream/has most streams and views

[@antdan5787]

Thankyou

[@antdan5787]

​@@cd.cd.cd.cd-cd looks like so is the biggest of his hits worldwide.

[@ShareReachCommunity]

Glad to find a fresh upload just 2 minutes uploaded.😊

[@illinoiswilliams]

Started off a bit nervous and jittery but by the time he gets to "soso" you can hear and see he's catching the groove. Big up yuhself Omah Lay..

[@sylvestersinyangwelunga]

The best my guy

[@josh0833]

This dude is so talented. Boy Alone is beautiful. I love that album.

[@faithwanjku9265]

I love you omah lay you are the best I usually in my prayers because what you sing is so touching and loving, I love you in every song you sing you always involve your maker....God is in your side indeed, nothing or anyone can restrain his hand over you and your band

[@niascott1576]

@omah lay if your reading this I want u to understand that u have people who get that you are a human first. We Love your music and energy. Keep perfecting the craft. You’re fully supported 💕

[@thatgirrljess]

I love the fact he introduced his band in the beginning seems like a beautiful altogether band. Also him being interactive with his audience wow. Omah lay just brings nice energy when performing.

[@user-bx2yr7nf7s]

So so good to hear accoustic omah lay !!!!!

[@dexbenne]

Omah Lay is beyond talented and his music is ethereal. I enjoy his timidness and humility. I love this concert and it’s perfect imperfections. 💛✨

[@josh0833]

Perfectly said. The humility is inspiring. His music is powerful

[@Chinelo_nwadiuzor]

The beats sent goosebumps all over me and his voice is different and amazing,a great performance! On repeat.

[@ChAKAlatePearl25]

I commend Omah Lay, he's a great writer and musician. There's always room for improvement, we must always encourage

[@10t0esdown]

What a talent, another banga! Everyone commenting on Omah's voice, the boy on that cognac, and in the cold.. of course his voice isn't going to be warm right away. He warms up though, started to really get that energy at the end. Rema next!!

[@thickivicki89]

I love this ❤️ so beautiful 🥰...the power of music 🎵🎶

[@SENSEi_TDB]

This is so inspiring to watch! PH to the world!!!!

[@chinasmith1920]

One thing you can count on with the artist from Africa, the bands be 🔥

[@Sunny-ts4lr]

don’t give ‘em PERFECT. Don’t give it to them. keep this one for you. Rest is enough. You enough. You good 💜✨💜

[@lilalou3765]

I love this artist so much, cuteness overloaded 😊

[@mattheuking1567]

I liked the way he introduced his Crew ❤️

[@proudamerican4613]

Technology and social media are transporting African music to the world now. Africans have been dancing and jamming to this music for thousands of years.

[@dibaalobiene9493]

Baba you good!!! Cheiii God🙆🏾‍♂️🙆🏾‍♂️ wetin be this😎😎

[@jamiekaclark6667]

I listen to I’m a mess at least 3x a day. I was hoping that’s this Tiny Desk will be on repeat. It failed to wow me but that’s okay Omah still gets love this way!!!

[@promphizypomack]

Listen to this with your headphones and you wil appreciate great talent love lay ❤

[@baronbaron472]

This is no great...

[@Themyfamous007]

I have done that still not great

[@worldtrends8183]

Stop lying 😢

[@dmedilicious8488]

It's still trash. Thank God for the instrumentalists.

[@AzadiEvents]

Much love from America! Stanley, you keep the Light propelling you forward, brother. Never stop!

[@Will_ciph]

Nice performance

[@faridanabegu5197]

Y’all need to get Victony on tiny desk next !!!!

[@josiahflame7477]

That's what I been thinking

[@mahlulinyoni]

Totally agree

[@luciemarcolongo1440]

Love love love love love this band, this artist, masterpiece ❤

[@mmmm4costa]

My sisters and brothers, enjoy 🎶🕺🏾💃🏾🎶

[@mirachijioke8257]

I liked the performance. It was simple, but it was good.

[@vendulaalomoge2364]

I love this guy, nothing but hits! 🔥🔥🔥 You can feel and hear the emotion in his voice 🥹

[@DVWMT96]

Omah Lay, way to go making it this far. S/O to DC & BMore Sisters can sing he pick the best backup singers. Keep on going!

[@sannezpondabeat]

Okay lets talk about the percussionist in the background. Dude is so firee ain't gonna lie. Man be adding so much sauce to the music 🎵

[@pemba2668]

my husband made it to tiny desk 💙💙 so proud 🙏🏽

[@coryhayford6216]

Love you, omah!!! I love his band and singers. They are all amazing

[@dvsbeats7402]

The band is lit🔥 Great guitar sound! I’m extremely to see Omah here, hopefully we can have Wizkid, Rema, Oxlade, KiDi and Ruger as well 🙏🏾

[@hat880]

Wicked already has a tiny desk

[@dvsbeats7402]

@@hat880 i said Wizkid

[@aloymicheal2456]

Who is kidi please never heard of him ,

[@moedub6938]

Just natural ❤️💛💚 (me love it) Thank You for di message May you all stay bless

[@TheBeardandKD]

Got chills like this was my first time listening to him, this was great to wake up to and hear, ❤.

[@mlcmlc4301]

Very talented young man I’m not hundred percent sure the vocal was on point, but it doesn’t matter omah lay deserves the credit and the voice characterise his unique style well done for your performance bro

[@Meltchya]

Never heard of this guy but I really enjoyed this a lot. Any negative comments are out of line - he sounds great

[@amakaella1851]

I really all his songs and can also sing most of them