Nigerian Afrobeats star Ikuforiji Olaitan, popularly known as Oxlade, has opened up about the role of gospel music in shaping his career and lifestyle, revealing that he neither smokes nor takes hard drugs.
The “Ku Lo Sa” hitmaker made the disclosure during a candid interview with gospel singer Tim Godfrey, where he discussed his upbringing in a deeply religious and musically inclined family. Oxlade explained that his journey in music began in the church choir, where he coordinated choirs for children, teens, youth, and adults.
“I don’t smoke. I don’t take drugs. I was a choir coordinator for every age group; children’s church, teen church, the youth choir, and the mass choir. All my life I have been in the choir,” Oxlade said.
The singer credited his family for instilling strong values and a love for music. “My grandma is a deaconess and an amazing singer. My grandad was a multi-instrumentalist, and my mum could dance, act, and sing. I have a pastor in my family,” he added.
Oxlade described gospel music as the foundation of his artistry, emphasizing that his songwriting in the genre remains his strongest. “My gospel music writing is actually the best. Gospel music is the best music,” he stated.
Reflecting on his rapid rise in the music industry, Oxlade said his success is divinely guided. “Regardless of whichever perspective I am viewed, you should know that God is equally blessing me as much as he is blessing you. You can’t tour 40 cities with your debut album if God doesn’t want it to happen. As long as God is ordaining these steps and movements, there is really nothing for me to worry about,” he concluded.
Oxlade’s testimony highlights how faith, family, and gospel music have influenced not only his career but also his lifestyle choices, setting him apart in the Afrobeats scene.