The modern Afro-fusion sound, pioneered by legends like Wizkid and innovators like Omah Lay, has redefined the global music landscape. This aesthetic is characterized by “space,” “smoothness,” and “emotion.” Many producers struggle with How to Make a Wizkid X Omah Lay Type Beat because they try to make the drums too aggressive or the melodies too busy. In reality, the “African Giant” and “Soso” vibe is all about the subtle details.
To truly make afrobeat like wizkid X Omah Lay Type Beat , you must shift your focus from raw energy to sophisticated textures. This guide will walk you through the technical steps required to create a track that feels both expensive and deeply emotional.
1. The Core Aesthetic of Wizkid X Omah Lay Type Beat Production
Before touching your DAW, you must understand that this sub-genre relies on “minimalist luxury.” It is the musical equivalent of silk. Unlike the high-tempo energy of traditional Afrobeat, this style often sits between 95 and 105 BPM. The goal is to create a “vibe” that allows the artist plenty of room to deliver melodic, often melancholic, vocals.
2. Sound Selection: Finding the Silky Smooth Textures
The quality of your sounds will make or break the track. You need sounds that have “air” and “warmth.”
- Rhodes and E-Pianos: These are the backbone of the Omah Lay sound.
- Muted Guitars: Think of the clean, plucked guitars in Wizkid’s “Essence.”
- Soft Pads: Use these to fill the background without clashing with the lead.
To get the right foundation, always refer to a professional afrobeat drum kits essential packs guide to ensure your percussive elements aren’t too harsh.
3. How to Make a Wizkid X Omah Lay Type Beat Rhythms
The drum pattern is the heartbeat, but it must be understated. A common mistake is using a heavy Hip-Hop kick. Instead, use a “thumpy” but short kick drum.
The Shaker Secret
The shaker is the most important part of the rhythm. Instead of a single shaker loop, layer three different shakers. Pan one 30% Left, one 30% Right, and keep one in the center. Adjust the velocities so the “swing” feels natural. This is a primary secret in How to Make a Wizkid X Omah Lay Type Beat production.
4. Melody and Harmony: The Emotional Core of Afro-Fusion
Wizkid X Omah Lay Type Beat often use Jazz-influenced R&B chords. We are talking about Major 7th, Minor 9th, and suspended chords.
Using a music theory for producers composition guide is essential here. You want to avoid basic triads. Instead, use chord voicings that have plenty of “tension and release.” This creates the “longing” feeling found in Omah Lay’s “Holy Ghost” or Wizkid’s “Smile.”
5. How to Make a Wizkid X Omah Lay Type Beat: Basslines
In this style, the bass doesn’t just provide the low end; it provides the groove. Use a “Sub-Bass” or a very clean “Electric Bass” patch. The bass should follow the kick drum but add occasional “slides” and melodic fills during the gaps in the vocal melody.
6. Atmospheric Elements: Creating the Omah Lay Mood
Omah Lay’s production is known for being “atmospheric.” This is achieved through the use of Foley and environmental sounds. Rain textures, distant bird chirps, or crowd noise filtered down can add a “3D” quality to your beat. This makes the production feel like a living, breathing space rather than just a digital file.
7. Percussion Layering: Beyond the Basic Shaker
While the shaker is king, the “pocket” is found in the auxiliary percussion. Add a very quiet woodblock or a soft conga hit on the “off-beats.” Use a “humanize” function or play them in by hand to ensure they aren’t perfectly on the grid. This “imperfection” is what gives the beat its soul.
8. Arrangement Strategies for a Radio-Ready Flow
A professional beat must tell a story. Start with a filtered version of your main melody. Introduce the shaker in bar 9, and bring the full drums in at bar 17. Use “silence” as an instrument; dropping the drums out for a half-bar before the chorus hits creates a massive amount of impact without needing a loud transition.
9. Mixing the Low End for Professional Clarity
To make your beat sound like it was mixed in a world-class studio, you must manage the relationship between the kick and the bass. Even though we are making Afro-fusion, some trap mixing advanced techniques like sidechaining and harmonic saturation can help the low end punch through on small speakers.
10. Final Polish and Mastering for Global Appeal
The final 5% of the process is ensuring the track sounds good on all systems. Use a reference track like “Soso” or “Mood.” If your beat sounds too “thin” compared to these, you may need more saturation in the low-mids. To reach the finish line, use finish music production 5 explosive secrets to ensure you don’t over-process the final master.
Conclusion: How to Make a Wizkid X Omah Lay Type Beat
Learning How to Make a Wizkid X Omah Lay Type Beat is about mastering the art of “less is more.” By choosing high-quality sounds, focusing on jazzy harmonies, and creating a wide, atmospheric mix, you can produce tracks that capture the magic of Lagos.
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FAQ: How to Make a Wizkid X Omah Lay Type Beat
1. What is the best BPM for a Wizkid type beat?
Usually, 98 BPM to 103 BPM is the “sweet spot” for that relaxed, mid-tempo Afro-fusion groove.
2. How do I get that “Omah Lay” vocal atmosphere?
Use heavy amounts of high-quality reverb and delay, then use a high-pass filter on the effects bus to keep the mix from becoming muddy.
3. How to Make a Wizkid X Omah Lay Type Beat: What is the most important instrument?
The Shaker and the Rhodes piano are the two most critical elements for establishing the “smooth” foundation of this genre.
4. Should I use an 808 in these beats?
Rarely. A clean, deep sub-bass or a realistic electric bass is much more common in the Wizkid and Omah Lay aesthetic.