On August 12, 2025, an Instagram account, rumored to be Omah Lay’s burner, shared screenshots of a December 2023 chat between Omah Lay and Rema. In the exchange, Omah Lay proposed a collaboration, suggesting they could elevate Nigerian music’s tempo. He shared a track titled “mara rough,” while Rema sent “Now I Know,” a song that later appeared on HEIS. Omah Lay claims Rema took his idea and developed it into the album’s distinctive sound, leaving him blindsided.
Omah Lay revealed in a 2024 interview that he scrapped an entire album after an unnamed artist stole his concept. Fans now speculate Rema is the culprit, especially given HEIS’s bold departure from Rema’s earlier Afro-fusion style.
Rema’s HEIS, released in 2024, marked a shift to a darker, high energy sound, drawing comparisons to Kanye West’s Yeezus. Tracks like “March Am” and “Ozeba” showcase a gritty, cinematic vibe, blending Afrobeats with cultural references and fast paced rhythms. Fans praised Rema’s reinvention, but some now question if the inspiration came from Omah Lay.
Rema has defended HEIS as a reclaiming of Afrobeats’ raw essence, emphasizing authenticity over global trends. He’s remained silent on Omah Lay’s accusations, but his fans argue his style, evident since his Ravage EP, proves his originality.
Fan Reactions: Divided Loyalties
The controversy has split Afrobeats fans. Some side with Omah Lay, calling Rema’s actions a “scary betrayal.” Others dismiss the claims as “cheap propaganda,” arguing no one but Rema could pull off HEIS’s unique vibe. Social media is ablaze with memes, theories, and defenses, with some even joking about Rema’s alleged “laptop theft” alongside the sound theft claims.
Omah Lay’s burner account hinted at personal struggles, including a break after discovering Rema’s alleged betrayal. Yet, he’s vowed to channel his pain into his craft. Meanwhile, Rema’s HEIS continues to dominate with over 250 million Spotify streams and a Grammy nod.
What do you think? Did Rema borrow Omah Lay’s sound, or is this just a misunderstanding? Drop your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation!
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