Davido Reveals How Miscommunication with Omah Lay Sparked Grammy-Nominated Collaboration ‘With You’

Afrobeats superstar Davido has shared the heartwarming backstory behind his hit collaboration "With You" featuring Omah Lay, revealing that a simple misunderstanding led to one of the standout tracks on his fifth studio album, 5ive—now nominated for Best African Music Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

In a recent interview, Davido recounted the origin story: During a 2024 livestream in Lagos with American streamer Kai Cenat, an Omah Lay song played in the car. When Cenat asked about the artist, Davido enthusiastically replied, “Oh! This is Omah Lay, he is hot.” The next day, Omah Lay tweeted his surprise at the shoutout, confessing he had always thought Davido “hated” him.

Davido immediately DM’d Omah Lay: “Why would you think I hate you? We’ve never met.” This cleared the air, leading the two to exchange numbers and collaborate. They recorded about four songs together before settling on “With You,” which Omah Lay selected for release.

Released in April 2025 via Columbia Records, “With You” has been celebrated for its emotional depth and seamless blend of the artists’ styles, contributing to the track’s global acclaim and Grammy nod.

The revelation highlights the power of direct communication in the music industry, turning a perceived rift into a fruitful partnership that has resonated with fans worldwide.