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Oxlade (singer)

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Oxlade
Oxlade on WazobiaMax TV in 2019
Born
Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman

(1997-04-22) 22 April 1997 (age 27)
Surulere, Lagos
NationalityNigerian
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2018–present
Musical career
GenresAfro-fusion, R&B, alternative pop
InstrumentVocalist
Labels
  • Troniq Music
  • Epic Records
  • Columbia Records UK
Websitewww.oxladeofficial.com

Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman (born 22 April 1997), known professionally as Oxlade, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to Troniq Music, Epic Records in France, and Columbia Records in the UK.[1] He rose to prominence with the release of the song "Away", which appeared on Rolling Stone's 50 best songs of 2020. After the success of his 2022 single "Ku Lo Sa", Oxlade was named Pandora Africa's Next Artist in July 2022.[2]

Early life and career

[edit]

Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman was born on 22 April 1997[3] in Surulere, a residential area of Lagos. After the passing of his mother when he was 3, he was raised by his father and grandmother.[4] His father was a lecturer at Lagos State University, where he gained admission to study History and International Relations. He enrolled for two years before dropping off to pursue his musical career.

In 2018, he was approached by A&R executive Bizzle Osikoya, right after the release of "Mamiwota" by Blaqbonez, off the Bad Boy Blaq EP, released through 100 Crowns, an imprint of Chocolate City. After his meeting with Bizzle, he signed a management deal with The Plug.[5] Thereafter he signed a publishing, licensing and distribution deal with The Plug Entertainment,[6] and a record deal with Troniq Music. On 27 December 2018, Davido allowed Oxlade perform at City of David concert in Lagos,[7] and he opened for Wizkid in London at Star Boy Fest in 2019.[8]

On 13 April 2020, he released the music video for Away, directed by TG Omori for Troniq Music. On 15 April 2020, he tells, Tami Makinde of The Native, he was instructed by TG Omori, to sit on his lady's lap to personify the popular saying "behind every successful man is a woman".[9] On 7 November 2020, Drake posted a screenshot on his Instagram story, listening to Away.[10] Right after the Canadian rapper made the post, he gained 3 million streams within 24 hours.[11] He achieved mainstream recognition with his hit track "Away", released as a single from his EP Oxygene, released through Troniq Music, and The Plug Entertainment, on 27 March 2020. "Away" appeared at number 23 on the Nigerian TurnTable Top 50 year-end chart of 2020. He released "DKT" independently on 3 September 2020 and its music video on 10 May 2021, which was shot and directed by Dammy Twitch.[12]

In January 2021, his collaboration with Dolapo, and Ms Banks on their song "Interest", earned him his first entry on Capital XTRA Airplay Chart at number eleven on 18 February 2021, and also earned him his first career entry on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart at number ten, and spent twelve consecutive weeks on the chart.[13] On 15 January 2021, the music video for "Interest", was released and directed by Capone.[14] In October 2021, he earned his second entry on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart with his track "Ojuju", which is currently on chart for five consecutive weeks, since 3 October.[15] It also peaked at number thirteen on Nigeria's TurnTable Top 50 weekly chart.[16] On 3 September 2021, he released the official music video for "Ojuju", directed and shot by Ademola Falomo. He was featured on the single "Kolo" by Ice Prince, which spent eighteen consecutive weeks on chart, and peaked at number eight on TurnTable Top 50 weekly chart.[17] On 11 March 2021, the music video for "Kolo", was released and directed by Director UAX.[18]

He was featured on the song "Overdue" from the Coming 2 America soundtrack album Rhythms of Zamunda, curated by Sipho Dlamini, and released on 5 March 2021, through Def Jam Recordings Africa, and Def Jam Recordings. On 20 August 2021, Troniq Music, and Oxlade, released the four-tracks extended play Eclipse, produced solely by DJ Coublon, through Troniq Music, and Epic Records France.[19] On 24 August 2021, Oxlade performed "Slow Down" by Skip Marley for The Grammy web series popularly known as Reimagined At Home.[20] On 10 March 2022, Oxlade signed a new deal with Columbia Records UK.[1] On 18 March 2022, he released "Want You", his first single in 2022, one month after the sex scander.[21] The song was produced by TMXO, and mixed by Spax.[22] The music video was released on 18 March 2022, and directed by Director UAX.[23]

On 10 June 2022, he released "Ku Lo Sa", for ColorsxStudios.[24] Following its release, a live-performing video was released on Colors YouTube channel, which has received over 1 million YouTube streams as of July 14, 2022.[24] On 19 June 2022, it debuted at number 11 on the Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20 chart,[25] and reached number 8 on 10 July 2022,[26] exactly one month after its initial release. On 11 July 2022, it debuted at number 66 on the TurnTable Nigeria Top 100 chart.[27] On 13 July 2022, Oxlade was named the first Pandora Africa's Next Artist.[2] During their discussion, he talked about the constant surge of emerging artists in Nigeria and making a name for himself in America,[2] Afro pop, and his growth as one of the fast-rising talents out of Africa. Following this, he performed "Want You" for Pandora Africa's Next Radio.[2]

In February 2023, Oxlade took to his social media profiles and gave a promotional boost to "Seluna" by Snazzy the Optimist, who has worked with him as a songwriter.[28] The same month, his 2022 single “Ku Lo Sa” received the Listener's Choice award at the Soundcity MVP Awards which was held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos State.[29] On 19 May 2023, Oxlade released "Ovami" featuring fellow Nigerian singer Flavour, the second song from his upcoming studio album, Oxlade from Africa. The music video directed by Nigerian music video director Pink was released the same day.[30] On 12 July the same year, he released his track "Intoxycated" featuring UK rapper Dave.[31]

Controversies

[edit]

On 12 October 2020, Oxlade was injured during the EndSARS protest in Surulere, a commercial area in Lagos. Residents and fellow protesters reported the situation with the hashtag #EndSARS, with a video clip of Oxlade manager Ojah'B, who was seen being beaten as police violently shut down the protest.[32]

On 8 February 2022, a sex tape of Oxlade's was leaked from Snapchat, and became a trending topic on Twitter.[33] On 10 February 2022, the woman featured in the video publicly disclosed her intention to sue Oxlade for 20 million naira.[34] On 12 February 2022, Oxlade apologized on Twitter to his fans and the woman in the video.[35]

Artistry

[edit]

His voice as described by Efe Ukpebor of Nigeria Entertainment Today, is "smooth", with a seamless blend of musical genres.[36] He describes his sound as a bridge between the Alte (Afro-fusion/experimental music expressions) and the mainstream.[6] His lyrics are a mixture of English, and Pidgin English, often exploring contemporary topics such as love.

Discography

[edit]

EPs

[edit]
List of extended plays with selected details
Title EP details
Oxygene
Eclipse
  • Released: 20 August 2021
  • Label: Troniq Music, Epic
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
List of charted singles, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
NG
[16] 		CAN
[37] 		IRE
[38] 		NLD
[39] 		NZ
Hot
[40] 		SA
[41] 		SWE
[42] 		UK
[43] 		US
Afro.
[17] 		WW
[44]
"Away" 2020 —[A] — — — — — — — — — Oxygene
"DKT" — — — — — — — — — — Non-album single
"Ojuju" 2021 13 — — — — — — —[B] — — Eclipse
"Want You" 2022 — — — — — — — —[C] 47 — TBA
"Ku Lo Sa" 49 59 50
[45]		 13 22 5 35 24 5 79
"Ovami"
(with Flavour)[51] 		2023 — — — — — — — — — — Oxlade From Africa
"Intoxycated"
(featuring Dave)[52] 		— — — —[D] 26 — — 49 — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
[edit]
List of charted singles as a featured artist, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
NG
 UK
Afro.
[E]
"Interest" (with Dolapo and Ms Banks) 2021 — 10 TBA
"Kolo" (Ice Prince featuring Oxlade) 8[55] — TBA

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2020 Like Someone's Watching Oxlade Main cast

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Event Prize Recipient Result Ref
2021 African Entertainment Awards USA Best New Artist Himself Nominated
All Africa Music Awards Best Artist, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul Nominated
2020 City People Music Awards Next Rated Artiste (Male) Nominated
The Headies Next Rated Nominated
2019 The Headies Rookie of the year Nominated
2022 All Africa Music Awards African Fan's Favorite Won
2023 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival Song of the Year Ku Lo Sa Nominated [56][57]
Listener's Choice Himself Won [58]
The Headies Best Recording of the Year Ku Lo Sa Nominated [59]
Viewer's Choice Nominated
Song of the Year Nominated
Best Vocal Performance (Male) Himself for Ku Lo Sa Nominated

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Away" peaked at number 23 on the TurnTable Top 50 Yearly chart.
  2. ^ "Ojuju" did not enter the UK Singles Chart, but peaked at number 19 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.[15]
  3. ^ "Want" did not enter the UK Singles Chart, but peaked at number 18 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.[13]
  4. ^ "Intoxycated" did not enter the Single Top 100, but peaked at number 16 on the Single Tip chart.[53]
  5. ^ "Interest" did not enter the UK Singles Chart, but peaked at number 10 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.[54]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Oxlade signs new deal with Columbia Records". The Nation Newspaper. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d "Oxlade talks constant surge of emerging artists in Nigeria, making a name for himself in the states, and more on Pandora's 'Africa's Next'". grungecake.com. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  3. ^ "OXLADE FROM AFRICA TOUR". The New Parish. Archived from the original on 14 September 2024. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
  4. ^ "Oxlade's 'Ku Lo Sa' is Big. He's Thinking Bigger". Rolling Stone. 2022-10-25. Archived from the original on 25 October 2022. Retrieved 2023-07-15.
  5. ^ "Oxlade signed to The Plug". plugng.com. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  6. ^ a b "Oxygene… A Bold Beginning For Oxlade". The Guardian Nigeria. 9 May 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  7. ^ "Oxlade of Afrobeats". www.redbull.com. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  8. ^ "Wizkid Makes History with Star-Studded Starboy Fest 2019". okayafricasite. Retrieved 2023-07-15.
  9. ^ "Oxlade's latest video "Away" is a celebration of a woman's power". The NATIVE. 15 April 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  10. ^ "Why should anyone care that Drake is listening to Oxlade". The NATIVE. 8 November 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  11. ^ HipHopDX (27 October 2021). "Drake Co-Sign Gave Nigerian Artist Oxlade 3M Streams In A Day". HipHopDX. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  12. ^ Onabanjo, Adedamola (11 May 2021). "Watch The Dramatic Dammy Twitch Directed Video For Oxlade's 'DKT'". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  13. ^ a b "Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
  14. ^ Tv, Bn (16 January 2021). "New Video: Dolapo feat. Ms Banks & Oxlade – Interest". BellaNaija. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  15. ^ a b "Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  16. ^ a b Peaks in Nigeria:
  17. ^ a b Cusson, Michael (29 March 2022). "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs". Billboard. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
  18. ^ Tv, Bn (11 March 2021). "New Music + Video: Ice Prince feat. Oxlade – Kolo". BellaNaija. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  19. ^ Alake, Motolani (23 August 2021). "Oxlade serves a timely reminder of his potential on 'Eclipse' [Pulse EP Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  20. ^ "Oxlade Performs Skip Marley's "Slow Down"". GRAMMY.com. 24 August 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  21. ^ "Oxlade Makes Comeback With 'Want You'". The Guardian Nigeria. 18 March 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  22. ^ "New Music: Oxlade – Want You". BellaNaija. 18 March 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  23. ^ "Oxlade Teases Video Snippet Of New Song 'Want You' | WATCH". NotjustOk. 16 March 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  24. ^ a b Adebiyi, Adeayo (10 June 2022). "Oxlade drops new single 'KU LO SA' for A Colors Show". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  25. ^ "Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20". www.officialcharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  26. ^ "Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  27. ^ "TurnTable Nigeria Top 100". TurnTable. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  28. ^ "Audiomack Announces 1UCID, Asake, Snazzy The Optimist on Trending Songs of the Week". ThisDayLive. Retrieved 2023-07-15.
  29. ^ "Burnaboy, Black Sherif, Win At The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 (Full Winners List)". African Folder. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  30. ^ Major, Michael. "Oxlade and Fellow Nigerian Superstar Flavour Release New Track 'Ovami'". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  31. ^ "Dave joins Oxlade on "Intoxycated"". The FADER. Retrieved 2023-07-15.
  32. ^ "Oxlade injured, manager arrested as #EndSARS protest turns violent". TheCable Lifestyle. 12 October 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  33. ^ "How Oxlade's nude photos, sex tape leaked on Snapchat". Premium Times Nigeria. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  34. ^ "Oxlade in another trouble!". AlimoshoToday. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  35. ^ "Sex tape: Singer Oxlade apologises to fans, lady in video". Punch Newspapers. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  36. ^ "Meet Oxlade, the Nigerian Pop Artiste You Should Look Out For". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 11 May 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  37. ^ "Billboard Canadian Hot 100: Week of October 1, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
  38. ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  39. ^ "Discografie Oxlade". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  40. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 22 August 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  41. ^ "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100 Week 37-2022". The Official South African Charts. Recording Industry of South Africa. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  42. ^ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 38". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  43. ^ "Oxlade | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  44. ^ "Billboard Global 200: Week of October 8, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  45. ^ "Top 100 Singles, Week Ending 14 October 2022". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  46. ^ "TurnTable Certification". www.turntablecharts.com. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  47. ^ "British certifications – Oxlade". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 27 October 2023. Type Oxlade in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  48. ^ "Sverigetopplistan – Oxlade" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  49. ^ "Canadian certifications – Oxlade". Music Canada. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  50. ^ "American certifications – Oxlade". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  51. ^ "Ovami - Single by Oxlade, Flavour". Apple Music. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  52. ^ "INTOXYCATED (feat. Dave) - Single by Oxlade". Apple Music. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  53. ^ "Dutch Single Tip 22/07/2023". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  54. ^ "Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  55. ^ "TurnTable Top 50: Teni's "For You" returns to No. 1". The Native. 12 April 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  56. ^ Maganga, Charles (19 January 2023). "2023 Soundcity MVP Awards Nominations: The Complete List". Notjustok. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  57. ^ "Burnaboy, Black Sherif, Win At The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 (FULL WINNERS LIST)". African Folder. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  58. ^ "Burnaboy, Black Sherif, Win At The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 (FULL WINNERS LIST)". African Folder. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  59. ^ Akinyode, Peace (12 July 2023). "Full list: 2023 Headies nominations". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
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