Afrobeats sensation Omah Lay has revealed that his unexpected imprisonment in Uganda in 2020 has had a profound impact on his life and music career. The singer, who was detained for three days alongside fellow artist Tems due to COVID-19 restrictions, shared his reflections in a recent interview with Amazon Music.

Omah Lay confessed that the ordeal completely altered his perspective on freedom. He explained that the experience heightened his appreciation for personal liberty, which he now passionately expresses in his music. The singer noted that his time behind bars fueled a newfound determination to fight for freedom in every song he creates.

While acknowledging that he doesn’t want to attribute his growth entirely to the negative experience, Omah Lay emphasized that the Ugandan prison stint served as a catalyst for personal development and a deeper understanding of the value of freedom.