Afrobeats Star Oxlade Chooses a Smoke-Free Lifestyle
The glitz and glamour of the global music industry often come with stereotypes of “rockstar” lifestyles, but Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ikuforiji Olaitan, famously known as Oxlade, is breaking the mold. In a deeply personal and revealing interview with gospel icon Tim Godfrey on January 20, 2026, the “Ku Lo Sa” hitmaker opened up about his decision to shun common vices like smoking and drug use. For Oxlade, his clean-living lifestyle isn’t a modern PR stunt; it is the natural byproduct of a life built on the solid foundation of the Christian church and a musically gifted family lineage.
The Choir Coordinator: A Life Lived in the Sanctuary
While many fans know him for his silky falsetto and chart-topping hits, Oxlade’s musical genesis began far from the secular stage. During the interview, he reflected on his extensive history within the church, revealing that he didn’t just sing in the choir—he led it.
”I was a choir coordinator for every age group; children’s church, teen church, the youth choir, and the mass choir,” Oxlade shared. This immersive experience across various levels of ministry provided him with a unique discipline that has translated into his professional career. By growing up in the church, he was insulated from the peer pressures of the “streets,” allowing him to focus on his vocal development and spiritual grounding before the world ever knew his name.
A Musical Dynasty: The Ikuforiji Heritage
Oxlade’s talent isn’t an accident; it is an inheritance. He describes his family as “musically inclined” to the core, with a heritage that blends faith and artistry seamlessly:
- His Grandmother: A deaconess and an “amazing singer” who raised him and instilled strong Christian values.
- His Grandfather: A multi-instrumentalist whose technical skill likely influenced Oxlade’s rhythmic ear.
- His Mother: A talented singer and dancer who passed down the performance DNA that makes Oxlade a captivating stage presence.
- Clergy Influence: With a pastor in the family, the singer noted that his strongest songwriting actually lies in gospel music, which he still considers the “best music” in the world.
Divine Ordination: 40 Cities and a Higher Power
Addressing the “how” behind his meteoric rise, Oxlade was quick to credit divine grace over industry politics. Having recently completed a massive tour spanning 40 major cities with his debut album, he insists that such a feat is impossible without a higher hand.
“You can’t tour 40 cities with your debut album if God doesn’t want it to happen,” he asserted. This perspective allows him to navigate the industry without the anxiety typically associated with fame. For Oxlade, as long as God is “ordaining the steps,” he feels no need to conform to the stereotypical “bad boy” image often forced upon young artists. He remains a “church boy” at heart, proving that success in the Afrobeats scene doesn’t require compromising one’s core values.
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