iMessage Chats Reveal Rema as Alleged Artist Behind Omah Lay’s Stolen Album Idea

Afrobeats sensation Rema is at the center of controversy following accusations that he stole an album concept from fellow Nigerian artist Omah Lay.

The tension began after Omah Lay, in a recent interview, disclosed that another artist had taken his creative ideas after he shared them privately. While he did not mention any names, speculation mounted on Tuesday when alleged screenshots of private chats between the two surfaced on X (formerly Twitter).

The images appeared to show conversations where Rema and Omah Lay discussed potential collaborations and exchanged creative concepts. The screenshots, believed to have been posted from Omah Lay’s burner account, have sparked heated debate among fans and industry observers.

Neither artist has issued an official statement directly addressing the leaked chats.

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema has rewarded dance group Pop Boys with $10,000 after they emerged winners of his viral “Kelebu” dance challenge.

The competition, inspired by the hit track from Rema’s latest album, attracted hundreds of entries from around the world. The Pop Boys stood out with a high-energy routine that blended precise choreography, creativity, and a unique interpretation of the song’s infectious rhythm.

In addition to the cash prize, the group will feature in the official “Kelebu” music video and enjoy an exclusive virtual chat with Rema.

The artist, known for his innovative sound and strong connection with fans, praised all participants for their creativity, saying the challenge was a celebration of music, dance, and global unity.

The “Kelebu” dance challenge has been trending across social media platforms, further boosting the song’s popularity and cementing Rema’s influence as one of Africa’s leading global music exports.

After weeks of teasing fans with snippets and subtle clues, Tiwa Savage and Skepta have finally unveiled their much-anticipated collaboration, “On A Low.” The sultry track is the latest single leading up to Tiwa’s forthcoming album, “This One Is Personal.”

Following her April release “You4Me” a dreamy R&B number for her core fanbase Tiwa takes a deeper dive into intimacy on “On A Low.” With Rymez on production, the track blends Afrobeats rhythms with mellow UK R&B vibes, creating a soundscape that feels both smooth and vulnerable.

Tiwa Savage delivers her lines with effortless grace and confidence, while Skepta slides in with a calm, precise verse that perfectly complements the song’s low-key mood.

At its heart, “On A Low” is about keeping love private nurturing it quietly, away from the noise. It speaks to the kind of romance that’s built on quiet gestures, shared secrets, and moments that don’t need to be posted. It’s soft, mature, and deeply personal.

https://youtu.be/Imwj_SGvwYg

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YouTube Music has rolled out its new “Monthly Audience” feature, offering fresh insight into the global streaming reach of artists on the platform. The new metric, which highlights the number of unique listeners an artist garners each month, has revealed impressive numbers for several African music heavyweights.

Leading the pack is Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema, who boasts a staggering 307 million monthly listeners, placing him firmly at the top of the African chart.

Close behind is rising sensation Chella, who has taken the continent by storm with 109 million monthly listeners, followed by global hitmaker CKay with 104 million.

South Africa’s Grammy-winning artist Tyla holds a strong position with 63.6 million, while Nigerian superstar Davido follows with 57.8 million.

Burna Boy, often regarded as one of Africa’s most globally recognized artists, records 30.9 million, while Ayra Starr, fresh off a Roc Nation deal, garners 26.9 million.

Surprisingly, Wizkid, known for his pioneering role in global Afrobeats success, currently stands at 16.1 million, with Omah Lay at 11.5 million and Asake rounding out the list with 9.01 million monthly listeners.

The introduction of the Monthly Audience feature provides fans and industry insiders with a clearer picture of digital engagement and reach on YouTube Music, a key platform in today’s music landscape.

As Afrobeats and African pop continue to grow in global popularity, these figures underscore the continent’s powerful presence in the digital music space.

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Fresh details have emerged regarding Nigerian music star Ayra Starr’s reported deal with Roc Nation, the U.S.-based entertainment company founded by Jay-Z, following her official announcement as part of the label earlier this month.

According to industry sources, the “Rush” hitmaker has signed a five-year global distribution and international management deal with Roc Nation. While still signed to Mavin Records, the partnership reportedly aims to position Ayra Starr for greater global exposure, particularly in the United States and Europe.

The deal is said to include certain image and branding clauses. Among them are restrictions on publicly showcasing her personal life, including romantic relationships and pregnancy, during the contract term. Furthermore, it is believed that label clearance may be required for some social media content and collaborations moving forward.

This strategic move places Ayra Starr in the company of globally recognized artists managed or represented by Roc Nation, a label known for its deep industry connections and holistic artist development approach.

While fans have celebrated the move as a major win for Afrobeats on the global stage, some have raised concerns about the alleged contractual conditions and their impact on the artist’s personal freedom and creative expression.

As of now, neither Ayra Starr, Mavin Records, nor Roc Nation has publicly confirmed or denied the full terms of the deal.

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