Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman (born 22 April 1997), professionally known as Oxlade, is a talented Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is currently signed to Troniq Music, Epic Records in France, and UK based label Columbia Records. Oxlade came into the spotlight in 2020 following the release of his hit song “Away.”
His debut song, Away, appeared on Rolling Stone‘s 50 best songs of 2020, and he was named the first Pandora Africa’s Next Artist in July 2022.
Early Life and Education
Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, born on April 22, 1997, hails from the vibrant Surulere neighborhood in Lagos. Following the untimely passing of his mother, he was raised under the loving guidance of his father and grandmother, who played instrumental roles in shaping his upbringing.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and inspired by his father’s teaching profession, Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman gained admission to Lagos State University. His academic journey commenced with the pursuit of history and international relations, a field that ignited his curiosity about the intricacies of the world. Imbibing the wealth of knowledge offered by his educational institution, he delved deep into his studies for two fruitful years.
However, Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman’s passion for music proved irresistible, beckoning him towards a different path. Driven by a burning desire to share his artistic talents with the world, he made the decision to temporarily step away from academia and embark on a transformative journey within the realm of music.
With his innate talent, unwavering determination, and a sense of purpose, Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman embarked on a musical odyssey, fully embracing the opportunities that lay before him. His decision to pursue his musical career demonstrates his courage to follow his dreams and explore the boundless possibilities that await him in the realm of music.
As Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman continues to tread his unique path, his experiences as both a student of history and international relations and a burgeoning musician will undoubtedly enrich his artistic expressions and contribute to his multifaceted growth as an individual. The fusion of his academic insights and creative pursuits promises to carve a distinctive niche for him in the world of music.
Career
Following the release of “Mamiwota” by Blaqbonez from the Bad Boy Blaq EP through 100 Crowns, a Chocolate City imprint, in 2018, he was contacted by A&R executive Bizzle Osikoya. He agreed to work under The Plug’s management after his meeting with Bizzle.
Oxlade then agreed to a record deal with Troniq Music and a publishing, licensing, and distribution agreement with The Plug Entertainment. On December 27, 2018, Davido let Oxlade to play at the City of David concert in Lagos, and in 2019, at the Star Boy Fest in London, he served as Wizkid’s opening act.
He released the TG Omori-directed Away music video for Troniq Music on April 13, 2020. He claims that on April 15, 2020, TG Omori gave him the order to sit on his lady’s lap in order to personify the proverbial adage “behind every successful man is a woman.”
Drake shared a screenshot of himself on his Instagram story on November 7, 2020, while listening to Away. Drake received 3 million streams in just 24 hours after publishing the post.
With the release of the single “Away” from his EP Oxygen, which was distributed by Troniq Music and The Plug Entertainment on March 27, 2020, he gained widespread notoriety.
On the Nigerian TurnTable Top 50 year-end ranking for 2020, “Away” debuted at position 23. On 3 September 2020, he independently released “DKT,” and on 10 May 2021, Dammy Twitch shot and directed the song’s music video.
On June 10, 2022, Oxlade unveiled his captivating single “Ku Lo Sa” exclusively for ColorsxStudios, a platform known for showcasing exceptional musical performances. The song resonated deeply with listeners, leading to the release of a live performance video on the official Colors YouTube channel. Within a short span of time, this video garnered an astounding 1 million streams, solidifying Oxlade’s growing popularity.
The success of “Ku Lo Sa” continued to soar as it made its mark on prominent music charts. On June 19, 2022, it debuted on the Official Afrobeats List Top 20 chart at an impressive position 11. As its momentum surged, the song climbed even higher, reaching an impressive position 8 on July 10, 2022, just one month after its initial release. This ascent reflects the immense appeal and wide acclaim garnered by Oxlade’s musical masterpiece.
Further solidifying his prominence in the music scene, “Ku Lo Sa” made its debut on the TurnTable Nigeria Top 100 chart on July 11, 2022, entering at position 66. This achievement highlighted Oxlade’s growing influence within his home country and served as a testament to his exceptional musical artistry.
In recognition of his immense talent and rising stature, Oxlade was honored as Pandora’s Next Artist for Africa on July 13, 2022. This prestigious accolade further underscored his significant contributions to the music industry and positioned him as a leading force in shaping the future of African music.
With each milestone achieved, Oxlade continues to captivate audiences with his soulful melodies and extraordinary talent. As his star continues to rise, he leaves an indelible mark on the music industry, showcasing his remarkable artistry and establishing himself as an artist to watch closely in the ever-evolving world of music.
He was a featured artist on the song “Overdue” from the Sipho Dlamini-curated Rhythms of Zamunda soundtrack album for the film Coming to America, which was released on March 5, 2021, by Def Jam Recordings Africa and Def Jam Recordings.
The four-track extended play Eclipse, produced completely by DJ Coublon, was released on August 20, 2021, by Troniq Music, Oxlade, and Epic Records France.
Oxlade performed “Slow Down” by Skip Marley on August 24, 2021, for the Grammy web series Reimagined At Home.
Net Worth
Oxlade is an exceptionally gifted singer and songwriter, showcasing his boundless talent and creative prowess in the music industry. With his enchanting melodies and heartfelt lyrics, he has captivated audiences far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans.
Beyond the sheer brilliance of his musical artistry, Oxlade has also been able to reap the financial rewards of his flourishing career. With an estimated net worth of $200,000, he has successfully navigated the industry and leveraged his talents to secure a lucrative income. Through his dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support of his fans, Oxlade has been able to amass a substantial fortune.
His relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to his craft have played a pivotal role in his financial success. Through captivating performances, chart-topping hits, and a devoted fanbase, Oxlade has carved a path that not only fulfills his artistic aspirations but also rewards him financially.
As he continues to evolve as an artist and create breathtaking music, Oxlade’s net worth is poised to grow alongside his ever-expanding fanbase. With each new release, he showcases his versatility and ability to connect with listeners on a profound level, solidifying his position as a true powerhouse in the music industry.
Personal Life
Oxlade, the immensely talented singer, currently finds himself unattached, embracing the single life with a devoted focus on his music career. While fans and media alike may speculate about his romantic endeavors, the singer has opted to keep his dating life private, not disclosing any information about a significant other.
Amidst the swirling rumors and speculations surrounding his relationships, Oxlade maintains a calm and unaffected demeanor. Unperturbed by the gossip that surrounds him, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of musical excellence, allowing his passion for his craft to take center stage in his life.
By prioritizing his music and dedicating himself wholeheartedly to his artistic pursuits, Oxlade demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his craft. Rather than being consumed by the distractions of a publicized relationship, he channels his energy into creating soul-stirring melodies and captivating his audience with his remarkable talents.
As the rumors come and go, Oxlade remains focused on his artistic journey, unswayed by the outside noise. His steadfast dedication to his music serves as a testament to his determination and drive, solidifying his status as a rising star within the industry.
With each musical endeavor, Oxlade continues to captivate hearts, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. While his personal life remains a mystery, his passion for his craft shines through, propelling him forward on a path of artistic brilliance and fulfillment.