Nigerian music executive Muyiwa Awoniyi, popularly known as Donawon, has announced the end of his professional relationship with Afrobeats star Stanley Omah Didia, aka Omah Lay.
In a post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Donawon stated that their business collaboration has concluded, but he continues to hold Omah Lay in high regard.
“With love and respect, I am no longer managing @Omah_Lay. That’s my brother, and I wish him all the best in his endeavours for life,” he wrote.
Omah Lay warmly responded, calling Donawon “the most intelligent nigga I’ve met so far in the game,” and Donawon replied with a cryptic message:
“Love you my brother. Clarity of mind is on the way now finally!”
Donawon later explained that the split was tied to Omah Lay’s transition toward full ownership of his music under his own company, Boy Alone.
“If you know me, you know I’ve always been for the artist. Omah is exceptional… He will now be owning his masters. I hope the delay now makes sense. Job done.”
However, the tone of the farewell took a sharp turn after Kaestyle — a KeyQaad label mate and collaborator of Omah Lay — threw shade at the announcement, suggesting Donawon was fired.
“Dem sack you, you say I’m no longer… lol always quick to go on social media.”
In response, Donawon hit back, stating:
“I agreed to manage Omah to get him out of the very slave deal that you signed. Now he is out, I also am out. You, on the other hand, are a slave.”
This exchange has reignited industry-wide discussions on artist-label contracts and master ownership, especially following recent tensions involving Asake, Shallipopi, Mercy Chinwo, Seyi Vibez, and others.
Omah Lay signed with KeyQaad in 2019, releasing his debut EP Get Lay’d in 2020 under Donawon’s management, which helped launch him as one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports.
Donawon, the founder of BSB Management Agency, has previously managed renowned acts such as Tems, Nonso Amadi, and Lekka Beats.
As of press time, Omah Lay has not released an official statement regarding the deeper reasons behind the professional split.
