“WITH YOU” BY DAVIDO FT. OMAH LAY: THE NEAR MISS THAT BECAME A TIMELESS AFROBEATS CLASSIC
Davido and Omah Lay’s “With You” was almost cut from the album but became a timeless Afrobeats anthem of love, emotion, and global appeal.
By Walcott Aganu
Davido omah lay
With you song
Afrobeats classic
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What if one of the biggest Afrobeats songs of 2025 never saw the light of day? That’s the tantalizing question posed by Davido, the Afrobeats megastar, who recently revealed a jaw dropping tidbit during an interview on American News Television ABC. His heartfelt collaboration with Omah Lay, “With You,” a track that has become a cornerstone of modern Afrobeats, was nearly scrapped from his album. “It almost did not make the album,” Davido admitted, his voice tinged with disbelief. “Every time I remember I almost took it off the album, my heart starts beating. Shout out to Omah Lay. I am glad we were able to collaborate on a true African classic.”
Today, the idea of a world without “With You” feels unthinkable. The song has transcended the boundaries of a mere hit single, evolving into an anthem of emotional vulnerability, romantic introspection, and melodic brilliance. It is a track that balances Davido’s infectious charisma with Omah Lay’s signature moody soul, creating a sound that’s both dreamy and deeply resonant. To imagine 2025 without its warm, evocative chords or its place in concert setlists and streaming playlists is to imagine a year somehow incomplete. “With You” was not just saved from the cutting room floor, it was meant to be.
The Genesis of a Classic
Davido, born David Adedeji Adeleke, is no stranger to creating hits. With a career spanning over a decade, he has been a driving force in the global rise of Afrobeats, blending infectious rhythms with universal themes of love, ambition, and joy. Omah Lay, on the other hand, represents the new guard of Nigerian music, an introspective lyricist whose melancholic yet soulful sound has captivated audiences worldwide. Pairing these two artists was a stroke of genius, but as Davido revealed, it almost did not happen.
The story behind “With You” is one of serendipity and second chances. According to Davido, the track was recorded during a whirlwind studio session, one of many in the chaotic lead-up to his album’s release. At the time, the song did not immediately stand out among the dozens of tracks vying for a spot on the final tracklist. Perhaps it was the pressure of deadlines or the sheer volume of material, but “With You” was on the chopping block. It was only through a combination of instinct, collaboration, and perhaps a touch of fate that the song survived.
Davido’s decision to keep “With You” speaks to the delicate alchemy of creating a hit. In an industry where artists often produce hundreds of songs for a single album, the process of curation is as critical as creation itself. One wrong move, one overlooked gem, and a song that could define a year or even a career might never reach its audience. “With You” is a testament to the importance of trusting one’s instincts and giving a track the chance to breathe.
The Anatomy of “With You”
What makes “With You” so special? At its core, the song is a masterclass in balance. Davido’s vibrant, larger than life energy meets Omah Lay’s introspective, almost haunting delivery, creating a dynamic that feels both familiar and fresh. The production is understated yet powerful, with lush, atmospheric beats that allow the vocals to take center stage. The lyrics, meanwhile, are a poignant exploration of love and devotion, capturing the universal longing to be close to someone who matters.
Lines like “I no fit leave you, I dey with you” resonate with listeners because they’re both specific and universal. They speak to the Afrobeats ethos of celebrating love in all its forms, romantic, familial, and cultural, while grounding the song in a deeply personal narrative. Davido’s voice carries the weight of promises kept, while Omah Lay’s verses add a layer of vulnerability, as if he’s confessing his fears and hopes in the same breath. Together, they create a sonic tapestry that’s as emotional as it is danceable.
The song’s stripped down arrangement is another key to its success. In an era where Afrobeats can sometimes lean heavily on maximalist production, “With You” opts for simplicity. The result is a track that feels timeless, unburdened by the trends of the moment. It’s the kind of song that can soundtrack a quiet night in as easily as it can ignite a packed dancefloor. This versatility has helped “With You” carve out its lane in the crowded Afrobeats landscape, earning it a place in the hearts of fans across the globe.
A Cultural Moment
“With You” is not just a song, it is a cultural moment. Since its release, it has dominated streaming platforms, racking up millions of plays on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Its music video, a visually stunning ode to love and connection, has become a staple on MTV Base and other music channels across Africa and beyond. On social media platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, fans have shared countless clips of themselves vibing to the song, from wedding receptions to late night car rides. The hashtag #WithYou has trended multiple times, with users posting lyrics and personal stories about how the song has touched their lives.
The track’s impact extends beyond its commercial success. “With You” has become a symbol of Afrobeats’ continued evolution, showcasing the genre’s ability to blend emotional depth with infectious rhythms. It’s a reminder that Afrobeats is not just about party anthems, it’s about storytelling, connection, and authenticity. Davido and Omah Lay have both spoken about the song’s personal significance, with Davido dedicating it to his wife, Chioma, and Omah Lay describing it as a reflection of his own experiences with love and longing.
The Lesson of “With You”
The near miss of “With You” carries a broader lesson about creativity and perseverance. In a world that often prioritizes speed and efficiency, it’s easy to overlook the gems that require a second listen or a moment of pause. Davido’s decision to revisit the track and recognize its potential is a reminder to trust the process, even when it feels uncertain. For artists, this story underscores the importance of collaboration and intuition; sometimes, the magic happens when you least expect it.
For fans, “With You” is a gift that almost wasn’t. It’s a song that invites us to reflect on our own near misses, the moments when we almost gave up but chose to keep going. It is a reminder that every saved file, every second chance, and every leap of faith can lead to something extraordinary. In the case of “With You,” that something is a song that has defined a year, a career, and a genre.
A Timeless Legacy
As 2025 unfolds, “With You” continues to resonate. It’s a staple at concerts, where Davido and Omah Lay’s performances elicit roars of approval from adoring crowds. It’s a favourite on radio stations, from Lagos to London to Los Angeles. And it’s a song that feels destined to endure, much like Davido’s earlier hits like “Fall” or Omah Lay’s “Soso.” Its simplicity, emotional honesty, and universal appeal ensure that it will remain in rotation for years to come.
In the end, “With You” is more than a song; it is a testament to the power of second chances, the beauty of collaboration, and the magic of Afrobeats. Davido and Omah Lay have given us a track that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, a rare feat in today’s music landscape. So the next time you hear those opening chords, take a moment to appreciate the journey of “With You,” a song that almost didn’t make it but became a timeless classic.
