Award-winning Afrobeats sensation Omah Lay is gearing up to release his highly anticipated sophomore album, Clarity of Mind, a project that promises to be his most introspective and sonically ambitious work yet.
The announcement came via his label, Keyqaad, which took to Instagram to unveil May 16, 2025, as the official release date. This album serves as a follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, Boy Alone, which solidified his status as one of the most captivating voices in contemporary Nigerian music.
With fans eagerly awaiting his next artistic evolution, the buzz around Clarity of Mind is at an all-time high.
Ahead of the album’s release, Omah Lay has been teasing listeners with new music that offers glimpses into his creative direction. His latest single, Holy Ghost, became one of the most streamed songs on Apple Music Nigeria in 2024, demonstrating his ability to craft deeply emotional yet infectious records.
He also released Moving, a track that resonated with audiences for its introspective lyrics and smooth production. Additionally, Omah Lay has made notable guest appearances alongside rising star and label mate Kaestyle, as well as renowned musician and DJ Spinall.
His ability to seamlessly blend genres while maintaining his signature soulful sound has only heightened anticipation for his upcoming album.
However, the journey to Clarity of Mind has not been without its setbacks. In a candid interview on the Zang Sang Show, Omah Lay shocked fans by revealing that he had to scrap an entire album after an artist he deeply admired allegedly stole his sound.
“I was working on something fresh, something that felt like magic,” he said, his voice tinged with frustration. “I played some of the songs for someone I really looked up to, and the next thing I knew, he dropped an album that sounded exactly like what I was creating.”
Rather than dwell on the betrayal, Omah Lay saw it as a challenge to push his artistry even further, leading to what he now calls his most groundbreaking work yet.
Determined to reclaim his narrative, Omah Lay went back into the studio to craft Clarity of Mind from scratch, a process he describes as both painful and liberating. “I could have given up, but I knew I had something even greater inside me,” he admitted. “This album is the purest expression of who I am, my experiences, my struggles, and my victories.”
Since making his mainstream breakthrough with the 2020 EP Get Layd, Omah Lay has consistently raised the bar for Afrobeats. His 2021 Headies Next Rated win was only the beginning of a journey marked by poetic lyricism, genre-blending soundscapes, and an ever-evolving artistic identity.
With Clarity of Mind, Omah Lay is not just looking to make a statement—he is aiming to redefine his place within the ever-expanding Afrobeats movement. The album represents his resilience, creative rebirth, and unwavering dedication to authenticity.
As the countdown to May 16 begins, fans are left wondering just how far Omah Lay is willing to push his artistry. “I’m not here to compete,” he declares. “I’m here to change the game.” And if history is any indication, Clarity of Mind is set to be a defining moment not just for Omah Lay, but for Afrobeats as a whole.
