Oxlade

Oxlade is a Nigerian singer-songwriter who has emerged as a prominent voice in the Afrobeats and Afropop music scenes. Known for his distinctive vocal style and smooth blend of genres, he gained international recognition for his hit songs "Away" and "Ku Lo Sa." Early Life and Education Oxlade was born Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman on April 22, 1997, in Surulere, a residential area of Lagos, Nigeria. He lost his mother at the age of three and was subsequently raised by his grandmother. Oxlade has a background in gospel music, which influenced his early musical development. He pursued his higher education at Lagos State University (LASU) before deciding to dedicate himself fully to his music career. Career Progression and Rise to Prominence Oxlade began his music career professionally in 2018. His breakthrough came that same year when he was featured on the song "Mamiwota" by Blaqbonez, which caught the attention of A\&R executive Bizzle Osikoya. This exposure led to further opportunities, establishing him as a rising star in the Nigerian music industry. In 2020, Oxlade released his debut EP, *Oxygene*, which featured the track "Away." The song became a massive success, earning critical acclaim and being recognized on *Rolling Stone*'s list of the 50 Best Songs of 2020. This achievement marked his transition from a local talent to an internationally recognized artist. Major Achievements and Notable Works His career reached a new peak in 2022 with the release of the single "Ku Lo Sa." The song gained enormous viral traction globally, largely due to a live performance video that spread across social media platforms. "Ku Lo Sa" charted internationally, including peak positions on the *Billboard* U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and in countries like the UK, France, and Canada. Following this success, Oxlade was named Pandora Africa's Next Artist in July 2022. Notable singles and collaborations include "Ojuju" (2021) and the 2023 collaborations "Ovami" with Flavour and "Intoxycated" featuring Dave. His music continues to blend elements of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, cementing his position as one of Africa's leading musical exports. Current Status As of his latest work, Oxlade continues to release music and perform globally, building upon the success of "Ku Lo Sa." He remains active in the music industry, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the modern Afrobeats movement. He is based in Lagos, Nigeria.