Oxlade The Golden Voice That Rose From Surulere to the World

Oxlade 

Some artists are made by privilege. Others are shaped by pressure. The journey of Oxlade is a story of talent meeting hardship, of a young boy who lost his mother too early and found comfort in melody. Before the global tours and streaming numbers, before the bright lights and viral hits, there was simply Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, a boy in Surulere with a voice that refused to stay silent.

This is the story of Oxlade, the golden voice that rose from struggle to global recognition.

A Childhood Marked by Loss

Oxlade was born on April 22, 1997, in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. Surulere is not just a location. It is a culture of hustle, resilience, and dreams born on crowded streets.

Tragedy struck early in his life. Oxlade lost his mother at a very young age. Her death left a deep emotional scar. A mother’s absence is not something a child easily forgets. For Oxlade, that absence became a quiet ache that followed him into adulthood.

He was raised largely by his grandmother and father. Life was not easy. Resources were limited, and expectations were high. Like many Nigerian households, education was seen as the safest path to stability.

But while others focused on textbooks, Oxlade’s heart drifted toward music.

Discovering the Power of His Voice

As a teenager, Oxlade began singing in church choirs. It was there that he realized something special about his voice. It carried emotion effortlessly. It was soft yet piercing. It could float gently or rise with intensity.

Church became his training ground. Gospel harmonies shaped his early control and discipline. But beyond church walls, he listened to artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy, studying their style and delivery.

He began writing his own songs, often recording demos with friends using basic equipment.

But music was not yet accepted at home as a serious career.

University and the Big Decision

Oxlade gained admission to Lagos State University to study History and International Relations. For his family, this was the right step. A university degree meant security.

But for Oxlade, lecture halls felt like confinement.

He attended classes, but his heart was elsewhere. He would sneak out to record music. He skipped lectures to chase studio sessions.

Eventually, tension grew between him and his father. Pursuing music full time felt risky. Nigerian society often treats creative careers with skepticism.

But Oxlade chose risk over regret.

He dropped out of university to focus on music.

It was not an easy decision. It meant financial uncertainty. It meant family disappointment.

But he believed in his gift.

The Breakthrough Moment

Oxlade’s early songs began circulating online, but his big break came in 2018 when he collaborated with Blaqbonez on the song Mamiwota.

The track gained attention within underground circles. Suddenly, industry insiders began noticing his vocal range.

Soon after, he released Away in 2020.

Away was different.

It was smooth, emotional, and melodic. The production was clean. The chorus was unforgettable.

The song went viral.

Streaming numbers climbed rapidly. International playlists picked it up. TikTok users embraced it.

Oxlade was no longer an underground hopeful.

He was a rising star.

The Sound That Sets Him Apart

Oxlade’s music blends Afropop with soulful R and B undertones. His voice is elastic. He moves between falsetto and chest voice effortlessly.

Unlike artists who rely heavily on rap elements or aggressive beats, Oxlade leans into vulnerability.

His songs often explore love, longing, and emotional complexity.

In a genre that sometimes celebrates bravado, Oxlade embraces softness.

That softness became strength.

International Recognition

Following the success of Away, Oxlade signed partnerships that expanded his global reach.

He performed internationally and collaborated with artists across continents. His voice began appearing on global Afrobeats playlists.

He became part of a new generation of Nigerian artists pushing the sound worldwide.

The global rise of Afrobeats created opportunity, but Oxlade’s distinct vocal tone gave him unique space within it.

Personal Challenges and Public Scrutiny

Fame in the digital era is relentless.

In 2022, Oxlade faced public controversy when a private video was leaked online. The incident sparked massive social media attention.

For many young artists, such scandal could derail a career.

Oxlade addressed the situation publicly, apologizing and expressing regret. The moment tested his mental strength and public image.

But he did not disappear.

Instead, he returned to music with renewed focus.

The controversy became part of his journey, not the end of it.

The EPs and Growth

Oxlade continued releasing projects, including EPs that showcased his vocal maturity.

Songs like Ku Lo Sa gained international traction, especially after a viral Colors performance.

The live rendition highlighted what fans already knew.

His voice alone was powerful enough to command attention.

Ku Lo Sa became a global sensation, further cementing his position in the industry.

Identity and Style

Oxlade’s fashion reflects modern Afrobeats culture. Streetwear mixed with bold statements. Tattoos and expressive visuals.

But beneath the image lies a reflective personality.

He often speaks about his mother’s memory and how her absence fuels his drive.

He carries grief and ambition in equal measure.

Standing Among His Peers

Oxlade belongs to a generation alongside artists like Rema and Fireboy DML.

Each has a distinct identity. While some focus on experimental sounds or street anthems, Oxlade’s niche is emotional vocal performance.

He represents the romantic soul of modern Afrobeats.

The Meaning of His Journey

From a boy in Surulere who lost his mother too soon to a global Afrobeats voice, Oxlade’s journey is about belief.

He chose music over certainty.

He endured controversy and returned stronger.

He transformed vulnerability into artistry.

Today, Oxlade continues to tour, record, and evolve.

His story is still unfolding.

But one thing is clear.

The golden voice that once echoed in church choirs now echoes across continents.

And it all began with a boy who refused to ignore his gift.