Omah Lay Reflects on Ugandan Prison Ordeal: ‘It Shifted My Perspective on Freedom’
Afrobeats sensation Stanley Omah Didia, widely known as Omah Lay, has shared how his brief imprisonment in Uganda profoundly influenced his outlook on life and music. The artist’s perspective on freedom has evolved since the incident, which he now credits for significantly shaping his career.
Omah Lay and fellow artist Tems were arrested in December 2020 for performing at a concert in Kampala, Uganda, during a period when COVID-19 restrictions were in place. The event, held at Speke Resort, violated the country’s social distancing regulations, leading to their detainment and subsequent court charges. After spending three days in prison, the pair were released on bail.
In a recent interview with Amazon Music, Omah Lay opened up about how the experience changed him. He explained that the time spent behind bars deepened his appreciation for freedom, a theme that has since become a driving force in his music.
“After being in that cell for three days, I just love my freedom so much now that I fight for it with every record… I don’t want to give Uganda so much credit for locking me up, but that shifted my perspective about freedom,” the ‘Soso’ hitmaker revealed.
This newfound perspective has influenced the themes of liberation and resilience that resonate throughout his work, marking a significant turn in his artistic journey.
