In the pulsating heart of Mushin, only a few voices have made as immediate and lasting an impact as Oxalde.
Once, his identity was questioned, and his response was simple yet profound: “I am Oxlade from Africa.” Born Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, Oxlade is the voice redefining the sound of Afrobeats.
Hailing from the vibrant streets of Mushin, Lagos, Oxlade’s rise to prominence was anything but ordinary. He first captured hearts with his breakout hit, “Away”, a song that earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Songs of 2020—a rare feat for an emerging African artist.
But his journey didn’t stop there. Oxlade’s 2022 single “Ku Lo Sa” became an anthem across the globe, catapulting him further into the spotlight. His unique blend of Afrobeats, soulful melodies, and heartfelt lyrics resonated far beyond Nigeria, earning him the title of Pandora Africa’s Next Artiste in July 2022.
Now, in 2024, Oxlade’s artistry has reached new heights with the release of his debut album, OFA (Oxlade From Africa). The album, a rich tapestry of sounds and collaborations, features legends like Flavour, Fally Ipupa, and Wande Coal, as well as international stars like Dave, Popcaan, and even Ugandan icon Bobi Wine. It’s an album that speaks not only to his African roots but to a global audience hungry for his unique sound.
From Mushin to global stages, Oxlade proves that his talent knows no boundaries, and his story is just beginning.
