Oxlade has always been intentional with his sound. Known for his unswerving approach to his music career, the 23-years-old artist’s star is rising fast. From releasing his debut EP ‘Oxygene’ last May, to collaborations with leading artists such as Davido, ShowDemCamp and DJ Tunez, to building a die-hard fan base within a short time-space, this Lagos-born artist (real name Olaitan Abdulrahman) can do no wrong. And last December, he featured in the ART X Live! film ‘Like Someone’s Watching’ as part of the fifth edition of the ART X Lagos art fair alongside his peers Tomi Owó and DJ Camron. Directed by Omowunmi Ogundipe, it mixed music with personal reflections on the challenges of 2020. I head to Oxlade’s Lagos home one hot Monday afternoon to speak to him about his music, activism and road to success.

Your ART X Live performance was truly memorable. How was it for you?

I feel blessed, I feel opportune, I feel like it was meant to happen during that period because I was going through one of the hardest times of my 2020. I was battling with PTSD from the whole End SARS trauma and all of that. So, it was a tough time for me as a creative but it was also a valuable time because I could express how I really felt. My emotions were heightened so the ART X Lagos show helped me channel that part of me.

The film allowed artists to discuss the current struggles in Nigeria. How do you intend to use your platform to further amplify activism and togetherness?

I won't really call myself an activist. I’m just a Nigerian who is trying to make sense of things. Some people I call family are attentive and ready to support anything I put on the ground for them. So, it’ll make a lot of sense if I can utilise my voice to raise awareness on how to partake in this patriotic mission that we have embarked on, which is to change the country and to change how the police and armed forces treat the youths. Not everyone does fraudulent stuff, not everybody participates in criminal activities. So, we have to change that mentality, and I’m lucky enough to have this level of influence. It is better than keeping quiet because silence is betrayal.

Your single ‘Away’ was named one of the best songs of 2020 by Rolling Stone. Is that what success looks like to you?

It’s not just ‘Away’ that is my success, my other tracks ‘O2’, ‘Hold on’, ‘Weakness’ and ‘Kokose’ all had their own time and impact. Honestly, my 2020 seemed like my team were strategising everywhere but at the end of the day, it was just God. When God says it’s your time, nothing can actually stop you. I’ve been in the game for three years, so I believe in timing. From Drake posting my song, to Rolling Stone, to getting artist of the month on Apple Music, to The Headies Next Rated nomination, to my streaming numbers. Everything that happened in 2020 was meant to happen.

Tell us about your upbringing.

I grew up in a musically inclined family. I lost my mum when I was three, so I moved on to stay with my grandmother. She was a deacon in the church and my grandfather was a pastor. From those morning devotions to being in the children's choir, to being in the youth choir, I learnt how to sing. The choir made me. I’m a choir boy! And then I used to rap in school because we were made to think singing was a girl's thing. Think of it like this; the lyricism helped me know how to write my afrobeat songs and the vocal training helped me know how to sing. So, it was like my life was ready for this. I was born to sing.

Which musicians have inspired your journey?

While living with my grandmother I listened to Sammy Okposo, Ebenezer Obey, Onyeka Onwenu, Chris Okotie and Michael Jackson. I wasn’t allowed to listen to Fela due to the vulgar language in his songs but I began listening to him at university. When I started to go into music fully, the album that changed my life was ‘Mushin to Mo'hits’ by Wande Coal. Primarily, Wande Coal is a big influence on me.

How would you describe your sound now?

My sound is real. Oxlade is original. If I’m feeling sad, you’ll hear it from my song. I don’t hide my feelings when I sing. I’m a moist guy by default. But once in a while, the bad guy in me also comes out. I am who I am, and I cannot hide inside my music or songs.

What are your reflections on the current creative scene in Nigeria?

Even though the government is not a major factor, the scene in Nigeria is alarmingly encouraging. We see people like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Adekunle Gold, these guys are doing big things. Let's even remove the big dogs and talk about stars like Omah Lay, Bella Shmurda, Joeboy, Fireboy DML, Rema - there is an unimaginable amount of talent out there right now who are killing it. You don’t need to be an A-lister to have 1 million streams in one day and that’s because the world is moving faster into the digital space. There is a new solid fan base for the youngins. This new generation has its own power. So with or without the government’s support, we’re in a good position.

What should we expect from Oxlade next?

Due to some paperwork it’s hard to talk about my plans because the big leagues are involved. But expect the best of the best from Oxlade, expect two times the amount of music you got from me in 2020, and more quality videos.

Read our ART X Lagos feature with Tomi Owó here.

Words Robert Solomon
Photography Manny Jefferson

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Published on 27/01/2021