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Omah Lay is entering a new era—one defined by intention, reflection, and a razor-sharp creative vision. The Nigerian Afro-Fusion star returns with his hypnotic new single “Waist,” a record that not only reintroduces his melodic mastery but also signals the beginning of a transformative chapter leading up to his long-awaited sophomore album, Clarity of Mind, arriving early 2026.
Fresh off his first-ever GRAMMY nomination for “With You,” his collaboration with Davido in the Best African Music Performance category, Omah Lay’s momentum has never been more undeniable. But rather than bask in accolades, he channels that global recognition into a deeper, more spiritual artistic direction, one that “Waist” captures in full colour.
Built on warm guitars, hypnotic basslines, and percussive layers that shimmer like late-night reflections, “Waist” explores the tension between temptation and inner balance. It’s a theme that mirrors Omah Lay’s personal journey over the last few years, navigating fame, pressure, creativity, and self-awareness. His vocals glide with a quiet confidence, revealing a man who has grown, shed old versions of himself, and stepped into a new calm.
“Waist” also marks his first solo drop since 2024’s “Moving,” a record that attracted praise from The New York Times and even spawned a remix from Haitian DJ Francis Mercier. But Omah hasn’t been idle. He’s spent the past year travelling, recording, and absorbing stories across continents, experiences that now serve as the emotional fuel for Clarity of Mind.
And if collaborations are any indicator of artistic reach, Omah Lay’s universe has expanded far beyond borders. In the past year alone, he’s connected with some of music’s most dynamic talents, Tems on the dreamy “Isaka II (6am),” Myke Towers on the infectious “No Hay Break,” SPINALL and Tyla on “One Call,” and Kehlani on the emotional “Tears.” His Boy Alone (Deluxe) era also featured a standout remix of “soso” with Ozuna, helping the viral anthem surpass 580 million global streams.
Yet despite his global footprint, “Waist” feels like a homecoming, a reconnection with the vulnerable storytelling and rhythmic soulfulness that first pulled listeners into Omah Lay’s world. It’s a warm, meditative offering that hints at the introspective terrain Clarity of Mind will cover: growth, healing, temptation, purpose, and the delicate balance between chaos and clarity.
As Billboard noted, “Omah Lay divulges his deepest vices, insecurities, and stressors with beautifully melodic vulnerability.” That vulnerability is maturing into something bigger, an artistic awakening that places him among Africa’s most compelling new-generation voices.
With a GRAMMY nod behind him and a new creative horizon ahead, Omah Lay is stepping into his most honest evolution yet. “Waist” isn’t just a comeback single, it’s the prelude to an era shaped by growth, truth, and a sharpened clarity of mind.