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.
Awoniyi disclosed the development in a post shared via his X account on Friday, stating that although their business collaboration has ended, he continues to hold the artist 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.
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!
— Muyiwa Awoniyi (@IAmDonawon) July 25, 2025
The announcement prompted a warm response from the ‘Soso’ crooner, who tweeted, “Donawon, The most intelligent nigga I’ve met so far in the game, love you forever, my blood.”
In return, Awoniyi replied, “Love you my brother. Clarity of mind is on the way now finally!”
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@IAmDonawon The most intelligent nigga I’ve met so far in the game, love you forever my blood ️☀️
— SSIAH (@Omah_Lay) July 25, 2025
Offering more clarity on the departure, Awoniyi later explained in a following post that the decision was closely tied to the 28-year-old music star’s move towards greater ownership of his music.
“If you know me, you know I’ve always been for the artist. Omah is exceptional, and with Boy Alone now a fully established company, the journey moves forward on his own terms.
“The best part? He will now be owning his masters. I hope the delay now makes sense. Job done,” the music executive explained.
However, the tone of the public messages was soon challenged when Omah Lay’s label mate and frequent collaborator, Kaestyle, suggested otherwise.
Shortly after Awoniyi’s announcement, Kaestyle posted a cryptic remark, “Dem sack you, you say I’m no longer… lol always quick to go on social media.”
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. https://t.co/oKf4QhA8FA
— Muyiwa Awoniyi (@IAmDonawon) July 25, 2025
Awoniyi responded sharply, revealing tensions within the label, KeyQaad.
“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,” he fired back.
Awoniyi’s comments implied that his managerial role was specifically aimed at extricating Omah Lay from what he described as an unfavourable contract.
The music executive claimed that having accomplished that goal, he chose to step away.
While neither party has officially disclosed the full terms of the split, the back-and-forth has reignited industry-wide conversations around artist-label dynamics and master ownership — a topic that has recently trailed several top artistes including Asake, Shallipopi, Mercy Chinwo, Seyi Vibez, Muyeez, CKay, the defunct Psquare group, and Cynthia Morgan.
Omah signed with KeyQaad in 2019 and released his debut EP, Get Lay,d and breakout hits in 2020 under Awoniyi’s management. He has since become one of Nigeria’s most recognised music exports.
Awoniyi, the founder of BSB Management Agency, has a track record of managing major talents such as Tems, Nonso Amadi, and Lekka Beats.
As of the time of this report, Omah Lay has yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the split.
In a 2021 podcast interview with Donawon, Omah Lay revealed that he pursued music to share his sound with his city and often worked overnight to hone his craft.
He described Donawon as “a true brother” to him, while the music executive noted that, “To get a diamond shining, you have to apply more pressure of refinement,” referring to how he helped shape Omah Lay’s growth.
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