Afrobeat Superstar, Davido has opened up on the fascinating story behind his Grammy-nominated collaboration with Omah Lay, revealing that a simple misunderstanding almost prevented the duo from working together. According to Davido, Omah Lay had publicly stated that he initially assumed he didn’t like him, which could have created a barrier to their partnership.
The revelation came after Omah Lay admitted last year that he had thought Davido “hated” him. This misconception persisted until the DMW boss played Omah Lay’s songs during a popular livestream with American streamer Kai Cenat in Lagos, catching both Omah Lay and fans by surprise.
Following the livestream, Omah Lay took to Twitter to express his shock and admiration, tweeting that he had always thought Davido disliked him. In response, Davido immediately DMed him, asking why he would have such an impression, especially since the two had never formally met before.
In a viral video that has since circulated widely on social media, Davido recounted the chain of events that led to their collaboration on the hit track ‘With You’. He explained that the initial spark occurred while he was driving Kai Cenat to a club in Lagos. Omah Lay’s song started playing, and Davido asked, “Who is this?” to which Kai Cenat responded, “Oh! This is Omah Lay, he is hot.”
From that point, Davido and Omah Lay began exchanging phone numbers and music ideas. They collaborated on four different tracks together, exploring various sounds and melodies. Ultimately, Omah Lay selected “With You” as the song to release, a track that resonated deeply with fans and showcased their combined talent.
The collaboration proved immensely successful. “With You” quickly became one of the standout songs on Davido’s fifth studio album, 5ive, and has earned a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards. The track has been widely praised for its emotive lyrics, compelling production, and the seamless synergy between the two artists.
Fans have lauded Davido for his mentorship and willingness to support younger artists, highlighting his humility and commitment to elevating talent in the African music industry. Similarly, Omah Lay received praise for his honesty about his initial doubts and for embracing the opportunity to collaborate despite his misgivings.
The story of “With You” serves as a testament to the power of communication and mutual respect in the creative process. What began as a simple tweet and a misunderstanding ultimately transformed into a Grammy-nominated hit, illustrating how openness, collaboration, and genuine support can yield extraordinary results in music.
The success of the track has also highlighted the growing global influence of Afrobeat, with fans around the world celebrating the duo’s work and the storytelling behind its creation. Music enthusiasts have taken to social media to commend both artists, noting that such collaborations strengthen the genre and inspire upcoming musicians to remain authentic while pursuing their dreams.
Davido concluded by reflecting on how unexpected connections and honest dialogue can lead to remarkable opportunities. His candid sharing of the behind-the-scenes story of “With You” provides fans with an intimate glimpse into the artist’s creative journey and underscores the importance of nurturing professional relationships in the music industry.
Watch video below…
"Why would you think I hate you?"
How Kai Cenat's visit to Nigeria inspired Davido's collaboration with Omah Lay. pic.twitter.com/jY2CsEWYL4
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 16, 2025