Trending in Oxlade’s World
Latest Album
OFA: Deluxe Edition
Released Apr 4, 2025
Trending Globally
US
US
Story
Quick Facts
Born
1997
1997
From
Nigeria
Nigeria
Journey
Between church harmonies and the bustling streets of Surulere, a young voice began to take shape Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, known professionally as Oxlade, was born on April 22, 1997. Losing his mother at an early age, he was raised by his father, a university lecturer, and his grandmother. Scholarship support from Funmi Iyanda’s Change-A-Life Foundation eased his schooling and led to admission at Lagos State University to study History and International Relations, a course he left after two years to pursue music amid campus safety concerns.
He recorded his first demo as a child and cultivated his craft in church choirs. Industry attention arrived in 2018 after a standout feature on Blaqbonez’s “Mamiwota,” which opened doors to management with The Plug and a deal with Troniq Music. By 2019 he was performing on major stages, opening for Davido in Lagos and appearing at Starboy Fest in London alongside Wizkid.
Oxlade’s 2020 EP, Oxygene, produced the breakout single “Away,” widely regarded as his most popular and influential hit; the song earned critical praise and placement on Rolling Stone’s year-end lists. He followed with the Eclipse EP in 2021 and released his debut studio album, Oxlade From Africa (OFA), in 2024, later issuing a deluxe edition in 2025 with additional collaborations and reflective tracks.
His emotive falsetto and careful phrasing have become signatures that critics and fans frequently praise globally.
Hits such as “DKT,” “Ojuju,” and the international success “Ku Lo Sa” which achieved multi-platinum certification in several countries expanded his reach. Nominations at The Headies and international recognition, including Pandora’s endorsement, attest to his growing stature. Throughout his career Oxlade balances vulnerability and melody, crafting intimate songs that bridge local roots and global appeal.
