Interview
Image courtesy of the artist.

Oxlade Took a Leap of Faith and Landed On a Global Phenomenon

We talk to Oxlade about the phenomenon that is "Ku Lo Sa," his upcoming album, and the domino effect that has led him to this point.

Oxlade’s sultry voice was first introduced on his big break, Blaqbonez’s "Mamiwota," and from that moment it was apparent that Nigerian music had another star on its hands. It was a performance that helped change the tide towards mid and low-tempo songs in mainstream Nigerian music. It was only a matter of time before Oxlade proved to the world that he was a force to be reckoned with, and a special talent among the new guard of Afrobeats stars.

Olaitan Abdulrahman, popularly known by the name his grandfather gave him ‘Oxlade,’ has a success story that blossomed at the confluence of opportunity and preparation. The new superstar was never sure of his path when he was just making ends meet, all he had was a voice, one fine-tuned since adolescent choir years, and a heart that believed he was destined for more. Four years later, with a couple of hits in his catalog, and a record deal with Epic Records, the spotlight is now on Oxlade.

In a year that has had major young Nigerian stars like Rema and Fireboy DML push African music to bigger frontiers globally, Oxlade lays his claim as well with the viral hit "Ku Lo Sa." The eargasmic Afro-tune was Oxlade’s latest offering in collaboration with German creative house COLORS Studios. For Oxlade this was all unplanned but yet he’s grateful and excited to share what he has in store, the music he believes is the best version of Oxlade his growing fans have heard.

“I make ethereal music. Ethereal is something that is so delicate, and it's so special. That almost sounds godlike.”

We talk to Oxlade about the phenomenon that is "Ku Lo Sa," his incoming album, and the domino effect that has led him to this point.

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Photo: Bolaji Odukoya

Ice Prince Shares 'Kolo' Featuring Oxlade

The Nigerian veteran rapper drops his first single of the year and becomes 300's first African signee.

Ice Prince comes through with "Kolo," his new Edgar Boi-produced single featuring Oxlade.

The alluring track follows Ice Prince rapping about a love that makes you go mad over afro-fusion beat work. "I'm talking about a girl that I fell in love with and I'm going crazy thinking about," he explains. "I can't stop thinking about her and getting her the best things in life, and how I want to make her my wife."

Oxlade, who's coming off the success of his debut EP Oxygene, provides the falsetto hook for the song. "Oxlade is an amazing artist, so it wasn't hard for us to share our ideas together and come up with this record," Ice Prince says. "I'm a fan of his music, he's a fan of mine, and I'm happy we're able to put out a record together."

The track comes accompanied by announcement that Ice Prince has signed to Lyor Cohen's 300 Entertainment, the home of Young Thug, Megan Thee Stallion and many other stars.

Watch the new music video for "Kolo," directed by Nigeria's UAX, below.

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