Omah Lay: Tiny Desk Concert
Музыка
This year's Black History Month celebration at the Tiny Desk features a carefully crafted lineup spanning many genres, generations and walks of life. Each artist represents the best in their class and will be performing at the Tiny Desk for the first time.
Bobby Carter | February 28, 2023
Omah Lay brought a calm demeanor and a bright smile to his time at NPR headquarters. By the third song of his Tiny Desk concert, “soso,” I realized that the Nigerian star was exercising lots of emotions through this set. The first two titles, “Bad Influence” and “i’m a mess,” are self-explanatory, yet the message of “soso” - that he’s yearning for something to take his pain away - could get lost in the song’s upbeat rhythms. At any rate, Omah Lay’s performance showcases a songwriter grappling with all the feels, unafraid to share them with the world.
Omah Lay rose to prominence during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic with his debut EP, Get Layd. In a short time, he’s joined the slew of African artists who’ve dominated dance floors and infiltrated America with Afro-fusion music. The feat is extraordinary and bittersweet, given that when he first broke through, the music industry was in a frenzy and the clubs closed. But songs like “Lo Lo” and “Free My Mind” resonated despite not booming in the big speakers, and he kept working until it was safe to come back out - and landed even more hits. He made the trip from Nigeria exclusively for the Tiny Desk and brought his band, The Raw Soundz, from Ghana, plus percussionist Boogie and singers Monet Shelton and Domo Abrams. Together, they flipped selections from Omah’s catalog, including a new version of his hit “understand” with a twist.
SET LIST
“Bad Influence”
“i’m a mess”
“soso”
“never forget”
Medley: “Infinity,” “bend you,” “understand”
MUSICIANS
Omah Lay: vocals
Ernest "Subroza" Osei-Bonsu: guitar
Donald Crentsil: keys
Kwabena Kyeremeh Adade: drums
Leroy "Boogie" Greer: percussion
Steve Millar: bass
Domo Abrams: vocals
Monet Shelton vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Sofia Seidel
Audio Mix: Josh Rogosin
Audio Assistant: Josephine Nyouani
Production Assistants: Jill Britton, Ashley Pointer
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Pilar Galvan
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #omahlay #nprmusic
Пікірлер: 1 400
Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths
@miracle1799
10 ай бұрын
Coool ❤ omahlay
@stephaniejohn4078
9 ай бұрын
Nice one
@georgemuriithi2303
7 ай бұрын
Nice 👍, enjoying it from Nairobi, kenya. Kindly You need bring souti soul from Kenya here 🔥🔥
@babualiKe
4 ай бұрын
Not really! Omah Lay is enough!
@ANDERSON-sx4nq
2 ай бұрын
Them two ladies in the background is gorgeous omahlay bro
He’s naturally very shy so seeing him like this is really commendable
@abstraqtphilosophy7357
11 ай бұрын
An artist that can't perform live in a small room to live instrumentals and no effects ain't no artist at all. He's a charlatan
@josh0833
8 ай бұрын
Extremely talented though. It’s extremely inspiring.
@The_gear_head_
2 ай бұрын
This comment did not age well
@garyhines9880
2 ай бұрын
@@josh0833extremely? Idk bout that he can barley sing well
@garyhines9880
2 ай бұрын
@@EYEAM1NDY world tour = talent? Ok great so lil Pump, sexxy Redd and Ice spice are talented to then with that logic. Never said he don’t make good music and doesn’t deserve whatever he has. Just that this performance was the moment I realized he can’t actually sing very well and is not that talented. Nothing wrong with that
Tracks: 0:00 Bad Influence 2:35 Band intro 3:30 I’m a mess 7:14 Soso 9:50 Never forget 13:47 infinity 14:42 Bend you 15:17 Understand
@ursulan4552
Жыл бұрын
J’ai mis du temps à comprendre 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂MERCI !
@Bellestayready
8 ай бұрын
@@ursulan4552ถ้าคุณใช้จิตวิญญาณในการฟังเพลง คุณจะเข้าใจได้ทันที.
@nasseralkhamis1874
6 ай бұрын
Legend
@chibuikefrancis7581
4 ай бұрын
Legend
You guys need to bring SAUTI SOL out here. Hands down the best live performers in AFRICA
@agnesmomodu5790
Жыл бұрын
Flavour nabania, Dbanj, Tubaba, Burna boy are all great on stage too.
@saididavis7697
Жыл бұрын
sure albert umengea broo
@Chasemovement
Жыл бұрын
@@agnesmomodu5790 don't forget CAVEMEN 📢📢
@tream_tones_ent
Жыл бұрын
Sauti sol
@Loraine_Muthoni
Жыл бұрын
They only bring Nigerians it seems, 3yrs and counting since we started to request for Sauti Sol
This man is a raw and REAL talent. Where he comes from there’s no vocal coaches and vocal lessons. He saw his talent and worked hard to get out there and make a name for himself with what he has, what God just naturally gave him and clearly it has done well for him. Sometimes it’s the rawness and the emotion and that makes a song feel real. Not everyone needs to sound perfect for it to be enjoyable 🙏
@mamiasieduwaa3407
4 ай бұрын
i couldn't agree more!!!! the guy clearly enjoys what he does n we love him for that❤️❤️
@EYEAM1NDY
2 ай бұрын
so refreshing to see this comment yes girl 🩵 cause there’s a few mfs not understanding that in this comment section smh
@KAPORALEE
2 ай бұрын
YES
@sheriffamoo5495
Ай бұрын
There are no vocals coaches in Nigeria?? Are you for real??
Wow Nigerians stay winning. NPR is a major platform. Love from Ghana
@firstclasssergeant1936
Жыл бұрын
@@laurawilliams4087 cry blood
@shamsideenetti
4 күн бұрын
Don't forget the Ghanaians behind the instrumentals 🙌🙌🙌, Love from Naija
You can actually feel and hear the emotion in his voice
@GoodluckOnwuchekwa-fm2lg
6 ай бұрын
Ahh swr
@mgma8677
3 ай бұрын
he out of tune....
If nigeria feels this performance is not good let them give us this guy in SA😅😅🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍💖💓
@Lekanpourtout
19 күн бұрын
Lol una no fit see o 🤣🤣
Even if Omah lay was just breathing, it’s everything for me Thanks!
100% organic performance by one of the Best out of many from Naija, Africa. I adore you Omah Lay keep repping us,the world is yours to Take Over!
Omahlay you forever be my favorite artist in the world because i love your sound and the way you sing your songs
I love Omah Lay to death and can sing most of his songs word for word but I feel like he needs a vocal coach for performances like this especially and on stage too. ❤ and light
@gbubemia
Жыл бұрын
Most Nigerian musicians are like that. Burna Boy is exceptional live! Most of them depend on lip synching when performing live shows
@9jalyricstube.143
Жыл бұрын
He needs coach Burna
@yaababansimba5274
Жыл бұрын
@@gbubemia really ? I’m disappointed..
@happinessimuetinyan4855
Жыл бұрын
This is Afrobeats and not R&B. Vocal coach is not required for this genre
@firstclasssergeant1936
Жыл бұрын
@@gbubemia will you shut up. Go and listen to another music genre and leave afrobeat alone since you are perfect, nonsense !!
I was enjoying this so much, why did I read the comments lol. I don’t know this artist and I think this is great
@thelma2084
Жыл бұрын
I’m going to need the Nigerians or whoever here to calm down with the complaints
@felixgrayy
Жыл бұрын
It’s a great concert. People just have made their judgment already from social media
@alvinekotcho1402
Жыл бұрын
The pb is this is not very similar to what the actual song sounds like. His voice breaks, sometimes he's off. But yeah the performance is okay. But not to the level we're we have him as fans. I was very disappointed when I went to his concert. So I kinda expected this when I heard about the live song
Omah Lay’s music’s so refreshing!! This tiny concert’s a true gem 💎
Omah Lay !!! Don’t listen to any bad comments That was raw and I loved it! seeing your true you made me love you more ♥️
TBH, it sounds like he has the case of the nervousness in his voice. My bro, Omah Lay is an amazing talent. I'm still with him ✊🏽🇳🇬
@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799
Жыл бұрын
You think is easy to easy to with some strangers in a studio
@josh0833
8 ай бұрын
Bro Is amazing
@pemphomackie7727
5 ай бұрын
Exactly he was just shy , nervous
@Missmini1255
4 ай бұрын
He is not nervous anything. This is he's real voice. You see them very well when no studio mix
@Missmini1255
4 ай бұрын
@@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799what are you saying. If you're a good musician it shouldn't matter who's singing with you. If they add studio mix now you won't know he was shy
Even if this performance was for 1 hour I'll still steam it Omah Lay is simply my Best All Time Artist in the World.. I can't get enough of "PURPLE SONG" from his debut album.. I Love You Omah Lay.. Keep winning
Guy is so unique. His sound is very authentic 👌. And he is a lyricist on 🔥
I dont see anything wrong with this performance!! He sounds raw and great❤❤❤
@David_hertz_keyz
Жыл бұрын
Sure and that’s what I respect 🫡 about the performance
@esel2297
11 ай бұрын
1:22 that line was CLEAN
@jessicafelix3379
7 ай бұрын
same here ,chilling straight fire
@terradaktal8318
6 ай бұрын
Garbage Garbage performance
@sleekism
3 ай бұрын
I'm not an expert but he seems to have good vocal potential, but he's not hitting those notes correctly and harmonically, i think a good vocal coach will take him there. He's still talented
I love his voice, a deep voice, raw but melancholy, I love it! it's his signature, part of his identity, he doesn't necessarily need to have voice lessons, if you expected him to sing like Withney Houston it would be to want to transform him into something that he is not necessarily. It is because he has this voice that we took the two ladies behind with high-pitched voices to balance . Continue like this to give us Omah lay from you.
@Mktrills
10 ай бұрын
Very authentic 100% loved it , it made me cry
I just got reminded of how obsessed I was with’Bad Influence’ 😭😭😭💜💜
Big ups to the band and singers!!! 🙌🏽
I was expecting a little bit more from him, but I love NPR for broadening their horizon with artists from different musical and cultural backgrounds. We appreciate the inclusion!
@isildocumbane6694
Жыл бұрын
His musics are the sources of our expactance to see more, than this. I also expected a little bit more from him.
@adeolaemmanuel9434
Жыл бұрын
A little bit more of what ? Him no try reach ?😂😂 nawa
@kemetstudio2502
11 ай бұрын
I agree
@ChinwubaChikwado-hi6cy
11 ай бұрын
I like him performance here
@towoawawaboofficial
6 ай бұрын
Mics and settings, not the best mic for a super star 😂😂😂
Never heard of this man but im a fan now
@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799
Жыл бұрын
You under a rock 🪨
❤ you can really hear Omah Lay has been through a lot. His voice is reflecting so much sadness ibut its beautiful.
Thank you for introducing to Omah Lay, and his Afro-fusion music 🙂💛
I appreciate you omah lay ..your songs are relatable and comfort me in my dark and light times🧿🧿🙏❤️
This man's music 🎶 I'm in love with all of it.
Never Forget still remains my favorite Omah Song ever. There is something it does to me I can’t just explain. 😢
@chimavictory8793
Жыл бұрын
On God, that song is so beautiful. One the most beautiful song I've heard
@erohdaniel4012
Жыл бұрын
I love never forget too❤️
SET LIST - Bad influence - 0:00 - I’m a Mess - 3:30 - Soso - 7:13 - Never forget - 9:51 - Medley: "Infinity," "bend you," "understand" - 13:46
@cd.cd.cd.cd-cd
Жыл бұрын
nice...so he didnt do his biggest hit "Woman" I see
@firstclasssergeant1936
Жыл бұрын
@@cd.cd.cd.cd-cd Woman is not his biggest hit. He have many better hit than woman
@cd.cd.cd.cd-cd
Жыл бұрын
@@firstclasssergeant1936 I dont know if its technically his biggest hit but it seems to be the one that has become most mainstream/has most streams and views
@antdan5787
Жыл бұрын
Thankyou
@antdan5787
Жыл бұрын
@@cd.cd.cd.cd-cd looks like so is the biggest of his hits worldwide.
I listen to "Soso" daily. ❤️ from 🇨🇦 🇬🇭
Sometimes it doesn't have to sound perfect. Just real, free, personal. Like on kids' playground during break. Thanks NPR for nicely Lay-ing this..
@Zeekebuka
9 ай бұрын
Underrated comment.
I felt like crying when he was performing "soso"😢😢❤❤ ...
@Allthingswealth
Жыл бұрын
Me too it was terrible
@angeloflap
6 ай бұрын
all of us... 🫠
@raceabakalwa3171
2 ай бұрын
@@Allthingswealth you say what,,,🖕🖕
Discovered Omah during Covid in 2020 which lead me to Rema, Wizkid, and Kiz Daniel. Got me through so much. Looking forward to seeing what Omah has for Afrobeats future. Underrated.
I like the drummers face while he’s playing
I rewatched this video and I say it is a great performance what else we want
He's truly become one of my favorite artist lately .. Loved the vibe
Hello from Japan🇯🇵 Thank you for amazing music!!!
I love this ❤️ so beautiful 🥰...the power of music 🎵🎶
Please have a SAUTI SOL performance for once. Not just the best in Kenya but the entire world. Cheers!
@collo2words
17 күн бұрын
I support hands down best live perfomance in The world and Africa
Big up to his producers and mixers. They are doing wonders because wow
@Altcoindaily2
Жыл бұрын
Autotune simple
@miebiomukoro1671
Жыл бұрын
@@Altcoindaily2 his voice on his songs doesn’t even sound like it’s heavily auto tuned.
@YonelisaWambi
Жыл бұрын
Sounds trash bro
@youtubecommentator6757
Жыл бұрын
Abomination. They really carried this TDC
@preyebipupre4799
Жыл бұрын
It’s bursting my head💀
Y'all be saying Omah didn't perform well, y'all wanted him to be jumping?? He did perfectly well 💜!!!
@Certi-S
10 ай бұрын
nah he just hit some flat vocals, still hard tho
I love the Drummer 🥰🥰💖💖🤗✨He's such a Vibe!😂🥰🤍🤗✨
Next up...OXLADE ON NPR TINY DESK🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾( wishing on it).
Love love love love love this band, this artist, masterpiece ❤
Love you, omah!!! I love his band and singers. They are all amazing
Got chills like this was my first time listening to him, this was great to wake up to and hear, ❤.
let pray for this guy he is really going through alot
This is so inspiring to watch! PH to the world!!!!
❤ I Love Omah Lay
I've been listening to all omah lay songs on repeat non stop for the last 2 months. This is such a treat. My African brethren bringing soul music back to life. I am so thankful for this vibe.
@IandIpowa
Жыл бұрын
Yessir 🤞🏾
@proudamerican4613
Жыл бұрын
African music has been therapy for Africans for many years. The world is just seeing it because of social media. Afrobeat and amapiano have been African therapy for over 1000 years. Technology and social media is showing and transporting African music to the world now. Enjoy it.
@brandy1770
Жыл бұрын
SAME!
@vukanihlophe6295
Жыл бұрын
Hes my number 1 now toppling Burna
@kaybel5104
Жыл бұрын
He sounded fantastic. You have no idea what you are talking about.
This is the prime example of a talented artist who is finding his live voice! Check him out in a little bit he will improve and all those comments wont matter! These songs are very well put together Omah i see your big heart and the talented individual that you are! Thank you for this perfomance!
@famousmwofficial8046
Жыл бұрын
And this comment is a prime example of hyping subpar talent just because it's someone from the same country/city/continent as you..
@BenimanMusic
Жыл бұрын
@@famousmwofficial8046 🤣🤣
@PoptheballoonDaily2
6 ай бұрын
@@famousmwofficial8046🤣🤣🤣
@stephenhumphrey8885
6 ай бұрын
He's quite good in live performance. I've watched a lot of his performances
Glad to find a fresh upload just 2 minutes uploaded.😊
People are saying he did rubbish. I don’t see any rubbish here 🤷🏾♂️ Heater’s 🤦🏾♂️ Nice performance 👍🔥👏❤️💯
@misterx2dvs
2 ай бұрын
Horrible 🗑️🗑️
@karelaudrill5205
20 күн бұрын
The performance was good cause he transmitted the emotions needed, but don’t say people are haters because the studio version and the live version are very different! It’s normal that people have to comment
Love this performance !
Yessssss
NPR let’s get Femi Kuti on here if we can. It’ll be such a treat
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@patriciamboya2741
Жыл бұрын
Just Bring Sauti Sol here
@timothychinonso8770
Жыл бұрын
Have you had of cave man
@bigboypascal
Жыл бұрын
Hi
@aldeung8792
11 ай бұрын
1 9 0
@roman_kay_
8 ай бұрын
Kesi ni eti ulete sauti sol...kwinished
Omah lay dope no vocal problem he is dopeeeeee❤🎉🎉🎉
@Fadelita
12 күн бұрын
You’re kidding right? Loll
Omah lay ❤ don’t change for anyone nor anything. Your good.
I love you Omah Lay. Forever my fave 💜💜💜💜💜💜
Ugh, NPR never disappoints. Thank you for the continued excellence.
I just found out about this precious gem a month ago and here comes npr with this gift!!! I’m so happyyyyyy🎉
Beautiful music beautiful people - bless up NPR for hosting this platform for such great artists 🌎🚀
This is actually good. I don’t know why Nigerians were dissing this performance. Raw talent 🎉
@dmedilicious8488
Ай бұрын
It's not good. Be real
Please Keep Singing for me to live Long Omah lay💜💜
I liked the way he introduced his Crew ❤️
I absolutely love you guys! God bless ya all❤
Love his artwork. I can really related with his songs ❤🌹
Omah Lay is beyond talented and his music is ethereal. I enjoy his timidness and humility. I love this concert and it’s perfect imperfections. 💛✨
@josh0833
8 ай бұрын
Perfectly said. The humility is inspiring. His music is powerful
I love this artist so much, cuteness overloaded 😊
All my favorite Omah lay music in one video..
Omah Lay, way to go making it this far. S/O to DC & BMore Sisters can sing he pick the best backup singers. Keep on going!
Lovely 🎶🖤👊
Just natural ❤️💛💚 (me love it) Thank You for di message May you all stay bless
my husband made it to tiny desk 💙💙 so proud 🙏🏽
The full Ghanaian instrumentalist section got me happy use who sabi do am❤️❤️❤️❤️
I listen to I’m a mess at least 3x a day. I was hoping that’s this Tiny Desk will be on repeat. It failed to wow me but that’s okay Omah still gets love this way!!!
Big up the guitar guys. They were going hard. The back up singers were really on point with the vocals ❤️
I love you omah lay you are the best I usually in my prayers because what you sing is so touching and loving, I love you in every song you sing you always involve your maker....God is in your side indeed, nothing or anyone can restrain his hand over you and your band
Omah lay sounds waaay different, i am surprised, the back up singers really helped him on this one
@chrisoghenetegamaloney5799
Жыл бұрын
The messed it up the backup singers
@kaybel5104
Жыл бұрын
This is not a music studio.
@kenafriq
Жыл бұрын
@@the_soughtout but we should feel that in the performance If I am singing a sad song, my vocals should be able to convey the sad emotion
@Frpony
Жыл бұрын
He was a bit stressed it happens.. but what a performance from the back up singers!!!
I love his music ♥️
My best artist omah lay♥️♥️♥️♥️ with love from Lusaka Zambia
Thank u For the elevation Vibes u all give!!!
I love every bit of this performance
This is one of the best Afrobeat tiny desks. Omah is so talented. I love it when he sings live.
This performance 👏 🙌 👌
Love from France and Algeria. ❤❤ Love the way Omah is singing, the women behind sublimate his performance
Who’s here to enjoy good music
I just received some terrible news today. When I heard Omah Lay sing "I'm a mess" I felt that in my soul to the core. Thank you for this. I really need to hear to this right now. May everyone reading this be blessed.
@pierrew1532
Жыл бұрын
Strength to you bro 🙏🏻
@theinfamouspokeinrichmondc3543
Жыл бұрын
@@pierrew1532 much appreciations. Thank you
@rayjohnson6927
Жыл бұрын
I wish you peace ❤
Love this! I really enjoy hearing his real voice. Beautiful
Y’all need to get Victony on tiny desk next !!!!
@josiahflame7477
4 ай бұрын
That's what I been thinking
@mahlulinyoni
2 ай бұрын
Totally agree
Didn’t expect my fav omah lay to sound this different live, don’t know if the live band didn’t do his vocals any justice or it’s mic. Please listen to Boy Alone to appreciate his talent
@blacknoutproductions
Жыл бұрын
no man, this man /boy cannot sing. Big up to his producers though
@in_finding_God
Жыл бұрын
😂😂😂😂
@nubianzee5225
Жыл бұрын
YESSS they Didn’t Mix him well for Live …. 💯000! Did him dirty ❗️
@nubianzee5225
Жыл бұрын
@@blacknoutproductions ✋🏾 Broo Shhhh He can Hold his own … This is not a good Live Mix andl Omah Lay producesses his own Shii his was even a producer before Artist 😂🤷🏾♂️ receive sense Guyyy
@shaeakins2670
Жыл бұрын
@@blacknoutproductions exactly
This is so awesome. Can watch back to back.
I love the fact he introduced his band in the beginning seems like a beautiful altogether band. Also him being interactive with his audience wow. Omah lay just brings nice energy when performing.
I really love this guy and his songs
J'adore. Omah Lay à fait le truc.🔥. Ce live est une pure merveille
Dope! Been waiting on this one.
So so good to hear accoustic omah lay !!!!!
Soso❤️