Nigerian Music Scene Heats Up: Omah Lay, Shoday Lead New Releases
As February 2026 unfolds, the Nigerian music industry is witnessing a surge of activity with artists announcing their intentions to dominate the year. This week's releases feature a compelling mix of established superstars and emerging talents, all vying for attention on the charts and in the mainstream consciousness.
Omah Lay's Vulnerable New Direction
Omah Lay continues to build anticipation for his upcoming sophomore album, Clarity of Mind, with the release of Don't Love Me. The track showcases a striking honesty as the artist explores themes of vulnerability and emotional detachment. Floating over elastic basslines, shadowy synths, and hypnotic percussion, Omah Lay delves into the tension between desire and self-protection. His revealing refrain, "Don't love me. Just make love," captures the song's core plea for intimacy without expectation, highlighting a connection that avoids emotional weight.
Shoday's Street-Inspired Anthem
Shoday is capitalizing on his successful 2025 run with the release of a new album, and his single OBT featuring Bhadboi OML exemplifies his industrious melodies. The song shapes the intersection of mainstream and street music, meeting listeners at their point of comfort. It serves as a tune that declares the universal desire for a better life, uniting street narratives with catchy rhythms.
Other Notable Releases This Week
The week's offerings include a diverse range of tracks from various artists:
- King Promise and Mr Eazi collaborate on That Way, an Afropop earworm that rides on a stunning sample of Backstreet Boys' classic record I Want It That Way, documenting the evolution of Afrobeats across Ghana, Nigeria, and the diaspora.
- Muyeez releases 17, a single that revisits his journey from a fresh-faced 17-year-old to a familiar name in Nigerian mainstream music, showcasing his unflinching belief in his ability to shape street pop.
- Illbliss returns with Kpowai, an authoritative track that reflects on survival, identity, and staying power. With nearly two decades in Nigerian hip-hop, Illbliss blends English and Igbo to speak from a place of authority, positioning himself as someone shaped by work rather than hype.
- Erigga delivers Pour The World Spit, a blunt and unguarded song driven by memory rather than trends. Growing up in Warri, Erigga raps with urgency, pulling from resentment, lessons learned, and a steady sense of self.
- Ayanfe Viral leans into romance with YARA, combining street confidence with heartfelt emotions. The song captures the feeling of being admired by many while choosing to focus on one special person.
- DJ Tunez recruits Afrobeats sensations Khaid and Kemuel, along with Afropolitan star Daecolm, for Stingy. This genre-blending record mixes African percussions with sensual Flamenco guitar and Salsa rhythms, beckoning lovers to the dance floor.
- Rybeena taps street pop star Bhad Boi OML for Realize, using infectious melodies over measured beats to send a word to his lover, showcasing one of the finest melodies in Nigerian pop music.
- Jeriq releases Born To Be Great, a track that restates his status as a man destined for greatness. With his trademark baritone and smooth flows over a speaker-rattling hip-hop baseline, Jeriq defiantly flies the cultural flag for youth in Eastern Nigeria.
This collection of releases highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the Nigerian music scene, with artists pushing boundaries and exploring new themes as 2026 progresses.
