Oxlade – Away
| Stage Name: | Oxlade |
| Real Name: | Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 22nd April, 1997 (27 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Lagos State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | Lagos State University |
| Known for: | Away |
Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, popularly known as Oxlade, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has made a significant mark in the music industry. Born on April 22, 1997, in Surulere, Lagos, Oxlade’s journey from a young boy with a dream to a recognized artist has been nothing short of inspiring.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Oxlade’s childhood in Surulere was marked by a tragic event – the loss of his mother when he was just three years old. Raised by his father and grandmother, his father, a lecturer at Lagos State University, played a crucial role in shaping Oxlade’s early years. Despite pursuing a degree in History and International Relations at the university, Oxlade’s passion for music led him to drop out after two years to chase his musical dreams.
Entrance into the Music Scene
In 2018, Oxlade’s talent caught the attention of A&R executive Bizzle Osikoya, shortly after the release of “Mamiwota” by Blaqbonez. This led to a management deal with The Plug, followed by a publishing, licensing, and distribution deal with The Plug Entertainment. Oxlade further solidified his position in the industry by signing a record deal with Troniq Music.
His breakthrough moment came when he performed at the City of David concert in Lagos, courtesy of Davido, and opened for Wizkid at the Star Boy Fest in London in 2019. The stage was set for Oxlade’s rise to stardom.
The Breakthrough: “Away” and Mainstream Recognition
April 13, 2020, marked a pivotal moment in Oxlade’s career when he released the music video for “Away,” a track that would propel him to new heights. Directed by TG Omori, the video creatively depicted the saying “behind every successful man is a woman.” The song caught the attention of global superstar Drake, who shared it on his Instagram story, resulting in a surge of 3 million streams within 24 hours.
“Away” became a hit and secured its place at number 23 on the Nigerian TurnTable Top 50 year-end chart of 2020. He continued his momentum with the independent release of “DKT” in September 2020, accompanied by a captivating music video directed by Dammy Twitch.
Collaborations and Continued Success
Oxlade’s collaborative efforts further showcased his versatility. His collaboration with Dolapo and Ms Banks on “Interest” earned him a spot on the Capital XTRA Airplay Chart and the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. The music video for “Interest” was released on January 15, 2021, and showcased Oxlade’s growing presence in the international music scene.
In October 2021, he once again made waves with “Ojuju,” earning him a second entry on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. The track also peaked at number thirteen on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 weekly chart. His diverse talents were further highlighted with features on Ice Prince’s “Kolo” and the soundtrack album for Coming 2 America.
New Horizons and Achievements
Oxlade’s journey took another significant turn in September 2021 with the release of the EP “Eclipse,” a collaborative effort with DJ Coublon. On August 24, 2021, he showcased his skills by performing “Slow Down” by Skip Marley for The Grammy web series, Reimagined At Home.
March 10, 2022, marked a new chapter as Oxlade signed a deal with Columbia Records UK. He wasted no time and, on March 18, released “Want You,” his first single of 2022, showcasing his resilience in the face of challenges.
Recent Releases and Recognition
June 10, 2022, saw the release of “Ku Lo Sa” for ColorsxStudios, a track that quickly climbed the charts and earned him the title of the first Pandora Africa’s Next Artist on July 13, 2022. His consistent growth as an artist and his dedication to making a mark globally were evident during his performance of “Want You” for Pandora Africa’s Next Radio.
Controversies and Resilience
Oxlade faced challenges in October 2020 during the EndSARS protest in Surulere, where he was injured. However, his resilience and commitment to his craft shone through.
In February 2022, Oxlade dealt with a personal controversy when a sex tape was leaked. Despite the challenges, he publicly apologized and continued to focus on his music.
Artistry and Musical Style
Oxlade’s smooth voice, as described by critics, seamlessly blends musical genres, serving as a bridge between Alte and mainstream music. His lyrics, a mix of English and Pidgin, often explore contemporary topics like love.
Discography and Achievements
Oxlade’s discography includes the EPs “Oxygene” and “Eclipse,” both receiving critical acclaim. His chart-topping singles, including “Away,” “Ojuju,” and “Ku Lo Sa,” solidify his status as one of Africa’s fast-rising talents.
Filmography and Awards
Oxlade made a foray into acting with the 2020 film “Like Someone’s Watching.” His artistic achievements have been recognized with nominations and wins at various awards, including the 2022 All Africa Music Awards, where he won the African Fan’s Favorite category.
Looking Ahead
As of May 19, 2023, he released “Ovami” featuring Flavour, teasing fans with a glimpse of his upcoming studio album, “Oxlade from Africa.” The music video, directed by Pink, accompanies the release, signaling his continued commitment to delivering quality music to his audience.
Net Worth
Oxlade, the talented Nigerian singer and songwriter, has achieved notable success in the music industry, contributing to his reported net worth of 450,000 dollars. Through his hit singles, collaborations, and international recognition, Oxlade has not only made a name for himself but has also secured financial success in the competitive world of music. You can find him on Instagram.
