Oxlade has always been that musical maestro with the voice of a singing bird and the aura of a bad boy/lover boy. That’s the vibe he set from the beginning of his career, and the niche he fit into so perfectly. This is one thing a sizable amount of his listeners love so much about him, especially the ladies. Oxlade knows just what the people need, and has never failed to ensure that he comes through with the good vibes never. Track after track, hit after hit, since his debut back in 2020, Oxlade has shown the world over and over again exactly why he deserves to be where he is right now.
From his debut EP, ‘Oxygene’, to his ‘Eclipse’, his sophomore album released in 2021, Oxlade has consistently released stellar music. For a long time, the world waited patiently for something more, something bigger. Finally, on Friday, the 20th of September 2024, Oxlade unleashed his debut album to the world. Sixteen songs of soul, grit, affection, and good vibes, all wrapped up in ear-tingling, sweet-sounding melodies. The reception was overwhelmingly warm.
Just like an ironsmith sensing the heat of the metal, Oxlade dropped, releasing a deluxe version of the album on the 4th of April 2025, adding four new songs to the initial tracklist. Let’s take a deep-dive into exploring the intricate details of the album, track by track.
Track one, titled “D PTSD INTERLUDE” featuring Bobi Wine felt like a time capsule taking Nigerian listeners back to the horrors of October 10, 2020. A horrendous period in the nation when nobody was safe from police brutality. The Nigerian masses made a decision to protest and peacefully fight for the rights of all, only to be branded vagabonds by the nation’s leaders and be brutalized, beaten, tortured…even slaughtered for no cause but the fact that they chose to stop suffering in silence.
Oxlade’s manager Ojahbee, experienced terrible things as he was unlawfully arrested, and then tortured to such an extent that he suffered a brain injury. The emotions portrayed on the track were heartfelt. The pain was raw, and as a listener, this track gives you a front row listen to experience it all yourself.
On “Olaitan (Olaoluwa)”, Oxlade created a personal track that delved into his identity and heritage. He speaks on his personal drive and the ever-sufficient grace of God in his life that has helped him surmount every hurdle he has ever encountered.
He’s untouchable, he says, because God has anointed him with oil and endowed him with endless grace, goodness, and blessings, insinuating that this is the reason he strides with confidence and charisma. The song’s introspective lyrics are complemented by a mellow beat, produced by Timmy. Smooth and calm, yet exciting with a groovy bop.
Track 3, “Blessed”, has Oxlade tapping in with Popcaan for a team-up and you best believe that this song is a vibe. The sweet and sonorous melodies from Oxlade, paired with Popcaan’s silky flow and gritty Jamaican Patois makes this song a certified banger. The song is a conqueror’s anthem. It’s a showdown against life’s challenges and the ever-present haters that are never absent when a person is striving for greatness.
Haters or not though, the chorus of “Blessed” is the best response. “Nobody can fi test me. Nobody can contest me cuz they know say I am blessed.” The powerful lyrics of the song are perfectly complemented and magnified by the bouncy thrum of the beat produced by Dre Skull.
Track 4 is sweet and smooth, passionate and silky, bouncy and utterly amazing. If there’s one formula that’s stayed unbeaten for ages, it’s pairing sweet vocals with hard and gritty flows. This song does that to perfection, with Dave dropping the bars and Oxlade layering on the melodies, it’s a thrilling listen indeed. Sweet as it is though, you really can’t miss the heart-rending pain on this song. It’s a tale of betrayal and heartbreak. A cheating diva, confessing love but in truth, seeking gold.
Heartbroken, Oxlade seeks out the bottle for comfort, anything for reprieve from the hurt. Aptly, Dave describes it all with a story describing lying, secretive partners who are in fact half yours and half for the streets. With a few precise phrases, he sums it all up: “Love’s easy to find and harder to hold.” A truly in-depth song that cuts deep into the matters so many face today.
Track 5, “IFA”, is an upbeat track featuring Congolese artist Fally Ipupa. Exciting and dance-inducing as it is, it’s also a passionate love song. The lyrics are a promise to put love first over anything else.
Fally Ipupa beautifully complements Oxlade’s voice with his own as he delivers his ear-tingling vocals in the sweet and romantic language of love, French. The flow of the song’s beat is smooth and jiggy, bearing the stamp of a pure, unmodified Afrobeats sound. Produced by Egar Boi, he certainly played a crucial part in the creation of this outstanding masterpiece.
Track 6 is “Ku Lo Sa”, Oxlade’s magnum opus. The song that took him from local champion to international sensation. The song that did laps across the globe, with TikTok as its ride. Not a mere song, “Ku Lo Sa” became an anthem chanted by many lips, the origin of many sensational dance moves, the thrilling vibe that was THE must-play at events, parties, or just chill spots.
The themes of yearning and intimacy, delivered in Oxlade’s smooth and emotive vocals and layered on the gentle, minimalist beat produced by none other than the master producer, Ozedikus, were the crucial ingredients that made up the viral hit.
Track 7, “Ovami” is another sweet love song with a feel-good vibe. Listening to the track, it’s almost impossible not to sway passionately along to the song. The lyrics – simple and sweet as they are – stick like glue, and in no time at all, listening to the song, you’ll find yourself singing “I can’t deny it, it’s written all over me, that you’ve taken all over me, oh, you’ve taken all over me…” Oxlade goes all out in crafting the serenading melody. And as if that wasn’t enough, who do we have joining Oxlade on the track but the man, the legend, the champion of love ballads, Flavour.
He certainly adds flavor to the song, coming in hot and smooth with his typical pidgin and Igbo combo, and it is an absolute thrill. With Magicsticks at the helm of production, you just know that the song’s production was nothing short of stellar. A truly beautiful love letter, wrapped in amazing rhythms and melodies.
Track 8, Arabambi has Oxlade going solo as he delivers a sonic rendition so symphonic, the celestial beings probably paused just to take a listen and admire the manner in which he explores his vocal range. He hits those high notes effortlessly and, even more impressive, he maintains those notes, seemingly without even trying. It’s truly sensational, and the singular message floats pleasingly to the ears. “Give me your love.” True, love is a recurring theme on the album’s songs, simply appearing in different attires. But then, love’s beauty is in its dynamism, and in fact, there is no love felt as deeply as one expressed in a multitude of ways.
If ever you are asked to describe a song with a hefty load of stupendously impressive melodies, after listening to track 10 off the album, it would certainly come up. Tapping in none other than the sound god and Afrobeats legend, Wande Coal, “Asunasa (Hold Your Waist)” is an astounding listen. It’s a bad boy serenade and an acknowledgment of a soft spot, an addiction, for ‘her’.
This spectacular lady whose charm and allure abide in her waist. It’s to the point where, as soon as her waist is held, worries disappear, and spirits are lifted. Amazing. What wonders her waist doth wrought. No wonder Oxlade and Wande sing at the top of their lungs, taking the highest notes and singing on a spiritual plane altogether. Produced by TUC, the vibe is solid. Casual though it is, the song is a sweet vibe through and through.
Oxlade takes things across the borders on “Ololufe”, this time pairing with none other than the rap maestro and lyrical genius from Ghana, Sarkodie. The two are a match made in heaven on this track as they perfectly complement each other, creating an utterly beautiful song. Everything about the track is just right. From the intro, Oxlade attacks the song with zest, and it would be difficult indeed for any listener not to feel the vibe straight away.
As always, Oxlade’s melodies are unblemished and untouchable. Sarkodie brings that calm yet gritty energy that is very much a part of his music, delivering hard rap bars in English and Twi, a Ghanaian dialect. The flow is smooth and seamless, with both their voices sitting quite comfortably on the smooth beat produced by Egar Boi.
Track 12, “On My Mind”, is a sonic exhale. An emotionally rich love song that thrives on subtlety, sincerity, and soul. With Ojahbee’s warm, minimalist production setting the mood, Oxlade steps into his most vulnerable self yet, singing of longing and emotional entanglement with tender restraint.
Tomi Owo’s verse is the perfect counterbalance–gentle, divine, and deeply honest, adding feminine grace to an already intimate record. This one isn’t a track made for the charts, it’s made for hearts. It leans into silence, breathes between chords, and lets emotion lead. A low-key masterpiece from three artists in full harmony.
Track 16, OFA, is the bold, unapologetic declaration of Oxlade’s identity. He’s not just an artist–he’s a movement. The track kicks off with a powerful introduction: “OXLADE FROM AFRICA”, and from there, it’s clear he’s here to claim his place in music history. The song is a testament to his strength, pride, and resilience as an African artist. It’s an anthem of self-empowerment.
Oxlade reminds the world that he’s untouchable and unstoppable, standing tall with pride in his roots. He’s more than just Nigeria’s gem–he’s the embodiment of all of Africa, representing its diverse cultures and untapped potential. Spax’s production delivers a beat that amplifies the song’s boldness, making sure that Oxlade’s message lands with the right intensity.
Moving to the deluxe tracks, the first addition, “Doingz”, unveils a side of Oxlade that’s both vulnerable and determined. The track tells the story of a man hopelessly in love, willing to sacrifice everything to win the affection of a woman.
Oxlade paints the picture of a man giving his all–his time, his energy, his money–just to capture her heart. The sentiment is sweet, almost romantic, but there’s also an underlying tone of desperation. He becomes “Talk and Do,” “Odogwu,” and even “Superman,” throwing everything into the relationship in hopes of winning her over. The beat, produced by Edgar Boi, is an infectious amapiano groove that gives the song a vibrant and engaging feel. The tempo is hot, the log drums solid, and the bounce irresistible, perfectly complementing Oxlade’s heartfelt lyrics.
Track two, “Omalicha”, is a heartwarming serenade. Oxlade takes his time, appreciating the woman he adores, celebrating her beauty in multiple ways. From Hallelujah to Allahu Akbar, and even hakuna matata, his joy at meeting this woman pours through every line. He’s infatuated, lost in love, and his declaration, “Where would I be, what would I do without you?” is both sweet and deeply emotional. It’s a love song that doesn’t just convey affection, but an all-consuming admiration for his muse. Freshy’s production does justice to this track, layering it with a smooth melody that matches the romantic and appreciative vibe of the song.
In “Sho Mi”, Oxlade touches on a deeper, more reflective theme–gratitude. The song highlights his acknowledgment of God’s protection over his life, especially as he faces the challenges of the hustle. He’s well aware of life’s unpredictability, the ups and downs, the constant struggles against poverty and mediocrity, but his faith is unshaken. He walks fearlessly, knowing that God has his back, even as he navigates the toughest paths. It’s a powerful track that blends spirituality with Oxlade’s personal experiences, offering both comfort and reassurance. The raw honesty in his words creates a song that’s both inspiring and relatable.
The final deluxe track, “Vaniti”, delivers one of the album’s most profound messages. Oxlade contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the illusion of success and wealth. He calls on his listeners to not become consumed by materialism and the desperate pursuit of riches, as nothing can be taken from this world when it’s all said and done.
The song urges us to focus on kindness, love, and living a fulfilling life beyond the superficial. Magicsticks’ mellow production helps to amplify the introspective message, giving the track an air of reflection and depth. It’s a reminder to live with integrity and to value the things that truly matter.
The album as a whole blends various genres, including Afrobeats, amapiano, Afroswing, R&B, and coupé décalé, showcasing Oxlade’s musical versatility. He personally described the project as a “body of work that travels through time and rhythm,” aiming to bridge generations with his sound. While some critics voiced concerns about the album’s direction, calling it pretentious or lacking coherence, others were quick to highlight its emotional depth and beautiful moments. Songs like “Sho Mi” and “Omalicha” have been widely praised for their raw honesty and the way they connect with listeners on a personal level. Oxlade’s unique ability to blend emotion with melody shines throughout the album, making it a compelling listen.
Review by Aidokhai Uriel Oisenikhefe
