Oxlade: Nigeria’s Smooth-Voiced Afrobeats Sensation

Early Life and Background

Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, professionally known as Oxlade, was born on 22 April 1997 in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Raised by his grandmother after losing his mother at an early age, Oxlade’s upbringing was marked by resilience and independence.

He attended Lagos State University (LASU), where he studied History and International Relations. During his time at LASU, he developed his musical skills, often skipping classes to pursue his passion for music. His early influences include Wande Coal, Drake, and Usher, which shaped his Afro-fusion sound combining Afrobeats, R&B, and Soul.

Musical Career

Oxlade started gaining attention around 2018, when he collaborated with Blaqbonez on the single “Mamiwota”. This breakthrough put him on the radar of music lovers and industry insiders.

In 2019, he released his debut single “Shugar”, which went viral on social media and streaming platforms, solidifying his position as one of Nigeria’s promising young artists.

His big break came in 2020 with the release of his debut EP Oxygene, particularly the hit track “Away”, which received international acclaim and even got endorsed by Canadian rapper Drake.

Key Milestones:

• 2018: Featured on Blaqbonez’s Mamiwota.
• 2019: Viral success of Shugar.
• 2020: Released Oxygene EP, with the breakout single Away.
• 2022: Released Want You, followed by the viral global hit “Ku Lo Sa”, performed on COLORSxStudios, which gained massive international streams and remixes.
• Has collaborated with top artists like Davido, Sarkodie, Fireboy DML, and international stars.

Style and Influence

Oxlade is recognized for his velvety vocals, emotional delivery, and smooth falsetto. His sound blends:

• Afrobeats rhythms,
• R&B melodies,
• Soulful storytelling.

His music often explores themes of love, passion, heartbreak, and intimacy. His vocal range and ability to connect deeply with listeners have drawn comparisons to legendary Nigerian vocalists like Wande Coal.

Discography

Extended Plays (EPs)

1. Oxygene (2020)
   • Away
   • Hold On
   • Tables Turn (feat. Moelogo)
   • Kokose
   • Weakness
   • O2
2. Eclipse (2021) [produced by DJ Coublon]
   • More
   • Ojuju
   • Pay Me
   • Incomplete

Notable Singles

• Shugar (2019)
• Away (2020)
• DKT (2020)
• Ojuju (2021)
• Want You (2022)
• Ku Lo Sa (2022)
• Ku Lo Sa (Remix feat. Camila Cabello) (2022)
• Intoxycated (feat. Dave) (2023)

Collaborations

• Mamiwota (with Blaqbonez, 2018)
• Angelina (with Juls, Falz, 2019)
• All My Life (with MI Abaga, 2021)
• Nonstop collaborations across Afrobeats and international projects.

Awards and Recognition

• Recognized as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising Afrobeats stars.
• Ku Lo Sa has amassed hundreds of millions of streams globally, charting in multiple countries.
• Featured on Rolling Stone, BBC, and Billboard, cementing his global reach.

Conclusion

Oxlade has carved a niche as one of the most vocally gifted and soulful voices in Nigeria’s new wave of Afrobeats. With his powerful falsetto, heartfelt lyrics, and international collaborations, he is set to remain one of Africa’s most exciting musical exports.