Oxlade

Oxlade is the stage name of Nigerian singer Ikuforiji Abdulrahman Olaitan, best known for such Afro-fusion hits as “AWAY,” “HOLD ON,” and “O2.” ∙ Inspired by the music of Nigerian star Wande Coal, Oxlade cut his first demo at age 11 with the help of his uncle, a professional sound mixer. ∙ His big break came in 2018, when he was featured on “Mamiwota,” a hit by Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez. ∙ In 2018, his dreamy “Questionnaire” was his first solo track to catch fire in Nigeria, thanks to the endorsement of renowned singer and producer Davido, who hyped him on social media. ∙ All six tracks from Oxlade’s acclaimed 2020 EP, OXYGENE, reached the Top 20 of Nigeria’s Apple Music Top 100 World Songs chart, with the infectious “AWAY” peaking at No. 2. ∙ Oxlade’s smooth jazz-tinged single, “DKT,” hit No. 8 on Ireland’s Apple Music Top 100 World Songs chart in 2020, proving his appeal far beyond his homeland. ∙ He has collaborated with several other popular Nigerian artists, including Moelogo, Jinmi Abduls, and Fiokee.