Omah Lay Reveals He Thought Davido Disliked Him Before Grammy-Nominated Collaboration

Nigerian singer Omah Lay has opened up about his first impression of Afrobeats superstar Davido, revealing that he initially thought the star did not like him. The misunderstanding, however, was short-lived and eventually led to their Grammy-nominated collaboration, “With You.”

Speaking on the red carpet at the 2026 Grammy Awards, Omah Lay explained that he believed there was tension between them. “I thought we had a beef. I thought he didn’t like me,” he admitted. The perception changed after he saw a video of Davido reacting positively to his music, which made him realize there was no bad blood.

Omah Lay described the moment as transformative, stating that it sparked a natural connection between the two artists. He called the resulting collaboration “magic,” highlighting how the chemistry flowed effortlessly once the misunderstanding was cleared.

The track “With You” went on to earn a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Although the award was eventually won by South African singer Tyla for her song Push 2 Start, the collaboration remains a personal and professional triumph for both artists.

The revelation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how misunderstandings can arise between emerging and established artists in the music industry. It also shows the importance of public recognition, as even a small gesture like reacting positively to a song can create opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Omah Lay’s story emphasizes that successful musical partnerships often begin unexpectedly. A moment of connection, even after initial doubt, can lead to projects that achieve global recognition and critical acclaim.

By sharing his experience, Omah Lay humanizes the journey of rising artists navigating the competitive world of Afrobeats, reminding fans and fellow musicians that collaboration often requires patience, openness, and clear communication.

This anecdote also underscores the unpredictable nature of award ceremonies. Even with talent, effort, and high-profile collaborations, international recognition is never guaranteed. Nevertheless, Omah Lay and Davido’s partnership highlights how perseverance and creative synergy can lead to remarkable achievements.