Before the release of his debut album ‘Oxlade From Africa,’ the singer took to social media to vent on what he claimed were attempts to undermine him.
The singer clarified his posts on X where he said some “OGs” were boycotting and blackmailing him.
According to Oxlade, the posts were motivated by his dislike of “people trying to play god”. “I hate the mindset of people trying to play god…When they feel like they can determine your trajectory,” the singer said.
He further explained that some of the issues he faces with individuals in the music industry are sometimes caused by things unrelated to music. “Sometimes, it’s because they feel I see them outside and I don’t greet them well,” Oxlade explains in Pidgin English.
He further said that he doesn’t want to dwell on the issue or mention names to avoid spotlighting these persons.
On his recently released debut album ‘Oxlade From Africa,’ the singer featured Ghanaian hip-hop legend Sarkodie. When asked what motivated the collaboration, Oxlade mentioned that he gets more love from Ghana than he gets from Nigeria.
Oxlade’s claims of getting more love from Abroad than at home follow echoes similar claims from artists like Rema who recently claimed to get more love in India.
Oxlade is currently promoting his debut album whose title he claims was motivated by the racism he suffered in France.
The fast-rising Nigerian singer, Ikuforiji Olaitan, better known as Oxlade, also shared a powerful personal story about experiencing racial abuse in France.
He revealed how this painful encounter influenced the title of his debut album, ‘Oxlade From Africa’. Reflecting on his time in France, precisely Monaco, Oxlade explained, “I decided to name my album ‘Oxlade From Africa’ because I faced racial abuse there.”
“That experience truly opened my eyes to my identity as an African. In Africa, we see ourselves as normal human beings, but outside the continent, many people view us through a distorted lens, often reducing us to harmful stereotypes.”
Oxlade
Oxlade, who holds a degree in History and International Relations, also pointed out that the names Africa and Nigeria can carry derogatory connotations in some contexts.
His story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against racial prejudice and the importance of embracing one’s identity.
‘Kulosa’ Earns First RIAA Gold Certification
Oxlade has achieved a remarkable milestone with his 2022 hit single “Kulosa” receiving its first RIAA Gold Certification in the United States.
This achievement signifies over 500,000 units sold, a monumental accomplishment for any artist but particularly significant for the Afrobeats star.
The song’s global success has been clear, racking up over 400 million streams on Spotify and more than 187 million views across two music videos on YouTube, marking its place as one of the most-streamed Afrobeats tracks of its time.
Oxlade joins a prestigious group of Nigerian artists who have reached this milestone, further cementing Afrobeats’ international presence.
This RIAA certification is not just a testament to Oxlade’s talent but also highlights the growing global influence of African music on mainstream platforms.
“Kulosa” spent months on the Billboard Afrobeats Chart, peaking at an impressive No. 5, and has achieved certifications in multiple countries including France, Canada, the UK, Nigeria, Spain, and Switzerland.
In response to the news, Oxlade expressed gratitude for his fans and the opportunity to be part of a global cultural movement. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “Afrobeats is here to stay, and I’m proud to be part of its journey.”
His debut album, ‘Oxlade From Africa’, also showcases collaborations with renowned artists like Wande Coal, Flavour, Bobi Wine, Fally Ipupa, and Popcaan, solidifying his presence on the international stage.
As the Afrobeats genre continues to capture the attention of international audiences, his achievement marks a significant turning point for the next generation of African musicians.
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