Netizens Bash Omah Lay’s Performance On Tiny Desk [Video]

Nigerian sensation Omah Lay recently took to the stage at NPR’s Tiny Desk to perform three of his songs — ‘Bad Influence’, ‘I'm a Mess’ and ‘Soso’.

Unfortunately, his vocal performance, especially on ‘Soso’ left many netizens scratching their heads, as they struggled to reconcile his hoarse singing with the impeccable song they all know and love.

Despite being backed by a band, the singer failed to sync with them, resulting in poor overall performance.

It is worth noting that NPR’s Tiny Desk has hosted global superstars such as Harry Styles, Usher, T-Pain, Alicia Keys, and many others.

The backlash against Omah Lay’s poor vocals during his Tiny Desk performance quickly spread across social media.

I’m a big big Omah Lay fan but I just watched the whole thing and yikes man ☹️ https://t.co/kTuXMES99t

— Olangba?? (@Selenks1) March 1, 2023

Omah Lay Wetin you dey do. https://t.co/VygZMwIiHt

— Vhiz™️ (@vhidalokaa_) March 1, 2023

Omah lay should not have agreed to do this thing jare https://t.co/jjpmxsDw1g

— LOST BOYS WILL RISE (Afrobeast) (@TeazyWorld) March 1, 2023

Good live performance is not for everybody,he try tho but Omah lay really struggle wit the tempo of the song https://t.co/EqAgF54322

— TKaka of bariga (@Adeleye13673967) March 1, 2023

Watched it last night and I kept thinking he sounds like me when I sing his songs and I can’t sing ? but it’s Omah lay so we continue to stan pls https://t.co/Xt6fXukD5o

— MsPetite (@presentlyAfe_) March 1, 2023

This incident has reignited the conversation about the recurring issue of live performances in the Nigerian music industry, where even the biggest artists have continued to deliver subpar shows.

Omah Lay is not the first Nigerian artist to struggle at NPR Tiny Desk, as readers may recall the poor showing of Naira Marley and Zinoleesky when they performed ‘O’dun’ off Naira Marley’s ‘God’s Timing Is The Best’ debut album.