Oxlade’s Debut Album, OFA (Oxlade From Africa): A Global Musical Journey
Nigerian sensation Oxlade has finally released his highly anticipated debut album, OFA (Oxlade From Africa). Featuring elite musicians across the continent, this ambitious project showcases Oxlade’s unique blend of African heritage and global influences which seems to have gone the right way as critics and admirers have fondly hailed his efforts on the project.
Notably, the album features his breakout hit KU LO SA, known for its infectious chorus, and boasts a plethora of exciting collaborations; Oxlade’s debut album highlights his effortless vocal style and his ability to create music that transcends borders.
Is OFA (Oxlade From Africa) impressive enough? Read on as we highlight and provide a track-by-track review of Oxlade’s debut album.
Oxlade – OFA (Oxlade From Africa): A Track-by-Track Review
Remarkably, Oxlade‘s debut album, OFA (Oxlade From Africa), is an amazing testament to his musical prowess and versatility. Let’s delve into a track-by-track review to uncover the album’s highlights and understand how Oxlade continues to push boundaries and captivate listeners.
D PTSD INTERLUDE (feat. Bobi Wine)
OFA (Oxlade From Africa) opens with a somewhat triggering interlude. The track, titled D PTSD INTERLUDE, brings to light the national crisis of #EndSARS, where Nigerian youths faced years of police brutality before the massive national protest that led to the disbandment of the corrupt police unit.
Notably, Oxlade’s manager, Ojahbee, was unjustly arrested, harassed, and brutally beaten by the police during the national protest; a case that became one of the catalysts for Nigerian youths to further their demands. We also hear Bobi Wine speak up at the end; motivating African youths as they use music to inspire them. This track feels like a heartfelt tribute to the victims of oppression. Kudos to Oxlade for immortalizing this moment in history.
OLAITAN (OLAOLUWA)
The next track, titled OLAITAN (OLAOLUWA), is a beautiful, soulful piece that finds Oxlade in a calm and serene mood. In this song, he praises God, offering gratitude for His endless blessings, mercy, and gifts, while confidently affirming that more blessings are reserved for him.
The theme of OLAITAN (OLAOLUWA) is deeply uplifting and filled with gratitude and thankfulness to God. Every element – from the soothing melody to the lyrics – comes together harmoniously, painting a vivid and inspiring picture for listeners. Notably, Olaitan and Olaoluwa translate to “Unending Wealth” and “God’s Wealth,” respectively.
BLESSED (feat. Popcaan)
The third track, titled BLESSED, continues the uplifting theme of the previous song. Here, Oxlade teams up with renowned Jamaican dancehall superstar Popcaan, who effortlessly brings his signature vibes to the melody. As the title suggests, the track revolves around the feeling of being blessed and fully embracing it. While it’s a solid song with feel-good energy, it lacks a unique touch and feels somewhat familiar, despite the strong collaboration.
INTOXYCATED (feat. Dave)
The fourth track, INTOXYCATED, is one of the pre-released singles from the OFA (Oxlade From Africa) album, featuring iconic UK rapper Dave. As the title suggests, Oxlade takes a reflective approach, expressing how he’s “intoxicated” by love, yet questioning its authenticity due to the toxic nature of modern relationships.
The collaboration between Oxlade and Dave is truly remarkable, blending soulful melodies with sharp lyricism. Despite its wide acceptance, INTOXYCATED remains an underrated gem on the album, offering depth and emotion that may be rediscovered in the broader context of the project.
IFA (feat. Fally Ipupa)
IFA is another standout track on OFA (Oxlade From Africa), offering a beautiful blend of Afrocentric sounds. Released as part of the debut album announcement, this song features the renowned Congolese singer-songwriter and dancer Fally Ipupa. The collaboration results in a mesmerizing African tune where Oxlade feels at home, delivering heartfelt lyrics about a girl he’s willing to give his all, he goes…if I ever (IFA). With its vibrant rhythm and smooth vocals, IFA perfectly captures the essence of African love songs, making it a captivating and soulful addition to the album.
KU LO SA
KU LO SA is undeniably the standout track on OFA (Oxlade From Africa) and the biggest song of Oxlade‘s career, having skyrocketed to global fame in 2022. Its inclusion on his debut album adds a special touch, further solidifying the album as one of the most streamed projects of 2024. Even after all this time, KU LO SA retains its magic, sounding as beautiful and captivating as ever, making its presence on the album timeless and iconic.
OVAMI (feat. Flavour)
The beautiful melodious track, OVAMI, features another elite African musician; the award-winning Nigerian Afro-highlife superstar, Flavour, who brings his signature style to the track. Together, the two artists create a musical masterpiece, produced by Magicsticks, that is sure to resonate with fans of Nigerian music and beyond.
Oxlade, as one of the young talents reshaping the Nigerian and African music scene, showcases his remarkable ability to blend genres and styles seamlessly. This track serves as a testament to his musical creativity and versatility.
ARABAMBI
ARABAMBI is another mid-tempo track on OFA (Oxlade From Africa), reflecting a softer, more laid-back approach on this project. Whether this choice will resonate with fans is uncertain – there’s a possibility it might not hit as hard as his more energetic hits.
Regardless, the track’s theme centers around love and adoration, with Oxlade professing his deep affection for his queen. Though mellow in vibe, the song carries emotional weight, but time will tell if it connects with the audience as strongly as his previous work.
TANUMO INTERLUDE
TANUMO INTERLUDE is another interlude on OFA (Oxlade From Africa), featuring a woman chanting to a melodic tune in a native African language. The simplicity of the chant adds an authentic, cultural touch to the album, serving as a brief yet evocative moment that highlights the richness of African tradition and heritage. This interlude creates a reflective and atmospheric pause, adding depth to the overall flow of the project.
ASUNASA – HOLD YOUR WAIST (feat. Wande Coal)
ASUNASA – HOLD YOUR WAIST is a stimulating record delivered by Afro-pop sensation Oxlade on his debut album, OFA (Oxlade From Africa). Remarkably, the track features a vocal collaboration with the elite prolific and talented Wande Coal, who brings a refined and captivating performance to the song.
Together, the duo creates a vibrant and infectious tune, blending their styles seamlessly, and ensuring listeners are left wanting more. This track is another testament to Oxlade’s ability to craft engaging and memorable music, while Wande Coal’s contribution adds an extra layer of depth and charm.
PIANO
Oxlade proves to be a brilliant Afrobeats singer as he teams up with the renowned producer P.Prime to deliver the captivating track titled Piano. While the song follows a theme and sound familiar to the previous track above on the album, it still stands out with its infectious rhythm and smooth vibe.
The production, skillfully handled by the talented P.Prime, enhances the track’s euphony, creating a sound that is sure to leave listeners wanting more. Despite its familiarity, Piano maintains a groove that will keep fans engaged.
OLOLUFE (feat. Sarkodie)
We knew OFA (Oxlade From Africa) would be packed with superstar features, so it wasn’t a surprise to see Sarkodie make an appearance. Ololufe by Oxlade blends Afro-fusion genres and features vocal support from the highly respected Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie. With its infectious beat and catchy lyrics, the two artists crafted a cohesive and memorable track.
However, it’s worth noting that, while melodious, the sound doesn’t feel entirely unique compared to other tracks on the album. Still, the synergy between Oxlade and Sarkodie makes it a solid and enjoyable addition.
RMF
RMF by Oxlade is a standout solo track on his debut album, showcasing him in a slightly different light. Departing from his usual “lover boy” persona, Oxlade steps into a more assertive and bold role, embracing a luxurious lifestyle as he declares himself a “Rich Mother F**ker” (RMF).
The track highlights his versatility, revealing a confident and self-assured side of his artistry, while maintaining the melodic essence that fans love. It’s a fresh take, adding variety to the album’s overall vibe.
ON MY MIND – OMM (feat. Tomi Owo & Ojahbee)
ON MY MIND (OMM), featuring Tomi Owo and Ojahbee, brings an upbeat Afropop vibe that adds a refreshing touch to the album. The track showcases Oxlade‘s versatility and the diversity of OFA (Oxlade From Africa).
With its energetic rhythm and infectious melody, OMM stands out as a lively and engaging tune, offering a balance between the more mellow tracks and highlighting the dynamic range of sounds present on the project. Tomi Owo and Ojahbee’s contributions further enhance the song, making it a memorable moment on the album.
KATIGORI
KATIGORI is a soulful track on OFA (Oxlade From Africa) where Oxlade confidently reflects on his future, making bold declarations about his inevitable success. In this song, he asserts that he’s destined to stand out and take the world by storm, affirming that he doesn’t belong in the same category as his peers.
The track radiates self-assurance and ambition, with Oxlade’s smooth vocals complementing the empowering message. It’s a powerful statement of his drive and belief in his unique path, further showcasing his artistry and determination.
OFA
The track OFA, named after the album title, serves as a summary of Oxlade‘s entire debut album, where he proudly embraces the identity of OFA (Oxlade From Africa). In this anthem, he confidently asserts that he doesn’t need an introduction, highlighting his journey and the impact he has made in the music industry.
With its bold lyrics and anthemic quality, OFA encapsulates the essence of the album, celebrating his roots and the musical legacy he aims to build. It’s a powerful closing statement that reinforces his identity and ambition as an artist.
Concluding Remarks: OFA (Oxlade From Africa) – A Familiar Yet Ambitious Effort
Two years after the global success of KU LO SA, Oxlade released his debut album, OFA (Oxlade From Africa). While the album showcases his distinctive vocal prowess and melodic flair, its content may feel somewhat familiar to listeners. Although the album’s themes might resonate with his audience, it could have benefitted from a wider range of musical exploration.
Remarkably, OFA (Oxlade From Africa) serves as a significant milestone, reflecting Oxlade’s journey as a musician. The title positions him as a pan-African artist, eager to share his talent across the continent. However, despite collaborating with various continental stars, their contributions sometimes fail to elevate the tracks or fully convey Oxlade’s aspirations as a pop star. This disconnect raises questions about the album’s overall quality.
Ratings
Delivery: 1.8/2
Lyricism: 1.7/2
Relatability: 1.6/2
Mixing and Production: 1.8/2
Replay Value: 1.6/2
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Reviewed & Written by Peace Umanah
