Oxlade: Faith and Family Kept Me Away from Drugs and Smoking

In an industry often synonymous with the “rockstar” lifestyle of excess, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ikuforiji Olaitan, better known to the world as Oxlade, is breaking the mold. The “Ku Lo Sa” crooner recently opened up about the personal guardrails that have kept him grounded despite the pressures of global superstardom. Speaking in a revealing sit-down with gospel icon Tim Godfrey, Oxlade credited his sobriety and discipline to a foundation built on deep-seated religious values and a rich musical lineage.

For many fans, the smooth, falsetto-heavy tracks Oxlade produces might suggest a late-night studio culture fueled by substances. However, the singer was quick to dispel these assumptions, stating firmly that he neither smokes nor engages in the use of hard drugs. This lifestyle choice isn’t merely a health preference but a direct reflection of the environment that birthed his talent. Oxlade’s journey didn’t start in the clubs of Lagos but rather within the hallowed walls of the church, where he honed his craft under the watchful eyes of his family.

The singer detailed a childhood immersed in the spiritual and musical structures of the Christian faith. He served as a choir coordinator across almost every demographic imaginable, from the children’s department and the teen church to the youth and mass choirs. This rigorous involvement in church music provided him with a technical discipline that many secular artists lack. According to Oxlade, being a leader in the house of God at such a young age instilled a sense of responsibility that made the lure of drug culture unattractive.

Music, for the Ikuforiji family, appears to be a genetic inheritance. Oxlade spoke with pride about his grandmother, a deaconess and a formidable vocalist in her own right. The talent pool extends to his grandfather, who was a versatile multi-instrumentalist, and his mother, who was known for her dancing and singing. With a pastor also in the family tree, the singer’s worldview is viewed through a lens of faith, even as he navigates the complexities of the mainstream music business.

Interestingly, Oxlade maintains that his best songwriting work actually lies within the gospel genre. He expressed a profound respect for gospel music, labeling it the “best music” due to its depth and spiritual resonance. While he is currently a titan in the Afrobeats scene, his approach to his career remains deeply providential. He views his commercial success not just as a product of hard work, but as a divine endorsement of his path.

The singer challenged those who might judge his secular career from a religious distance. He argued that the level of success he has achieved—specifically touring forty cities following his debut album—could not be possible without divine grace. To Oxlade, the math is simple: if God didn’t want it to happen, the doors wouldn’t open. This perspective allows him to navigate the high-stakes music industry with a sense of peace, free from the anxieties that often drive others toward substance abuse.

His testimony serves as a rare counter-narrative in the contemporary music scene. By highlighting his background as a choir boy turned global star, Oxlade is bridging the gap between his religious roots and his current reality. He remains adamant that as long as his steps are ordained by a higher power, he has no reason to worry about the pitfalls that have claimed many of his peers.

By maintaining his sobriety and staying true to his upbringing, Oxlade is positioning himself as a role model for a new generation of African artists. He proves that one can reach the pinnacle of the Billboard charts and sell out international venues without succumbing to the stereotypical vices of the entertainment world. His story is a powerful reminder that for some, the loudest “high” comes from the music itself and the faith that fuels it.

The singer’s transparency about his life behind the scenes offers a refreshing look at the man behind the hits. In a world of curated images, Oxlade’s commitment to his roots provides a sense of authenticity that resonates with fans globally. It is clear that while he may be performing on the world’s biggest stages, his heart remains firmly rooted in the choir loft where it all began.