Afrobeats singer Ikuforiji Olaitan, popularly known as Oxlade, has shared rare personal insights into his lifestyle, revealing that he does not smoke or take hard drugs, a stance he attributes to his upbringing and strong Christian roots.
Speaking during a candid interview with gospel singer Tim Godfrey, the Ku Lo Sa hitmaker explained that his values were shaped early in life by a deeply religious and musically gifted family. According to Oxlade, his background played a significant role in influencing both his personal choices and his approach to music.
The singer disclosed that his journey into music began in the church, where he was actively involved in the choir from a young age. Over the years, he served in various leadership roles, coordinating multiple choir groups across different age categories, including the children’s church, teen church, youth choir, and the mass choir. He noted that this early exposure helped mould his discipline, character, and artistic direction.
Emphasising the depth of his family’s musical heritage, Oxlade described growing up surrounded by music and faith. He revealed that his grandmother is a deaconess and a gifted singer, while his grandfather was a multi-instrumentalist. His mother, he added, could both sing and dance, and there is also a pastor within his family. This environment, he said, made music and spirituality inseparable parts of his life.
“I don’t smoke. I don’t take drugs,” Oxlade stated firmly. “All my life I have been in the choir. I was raised in a musically inclined family.” He further stressed that gospel music holds a special place for him, describing it as the purest form of musical expression and noting that his gospel songwriting is among his strongest creative outputs. “Gospel music is the best music,” he said.
Beyond lifestyle choices, Oxlade also reflected on his career success, attributing his achievements to divine guidance rather than personal effort alone. He acknowledged that regardless of how he is perceived publicly, he believes God’s blessings are evident in his journey.
The singer pointed to his extensive touring record as proof of this conviction, noting that touring over 40 cities with a debut album is not something that happens by chance. “You can’t tour 40 cities with your debut album if God doesn’t want it to happen,” he said, adding that as long as his steps are divinely ordained, he has little cause for concern.
Oxlade’s reflections offer a glimpse into a side of the Afrobeats star that contrasts with common stereotypes in the music industry, highlighting a narrative shaped by faith, discipline, and a deep-rooted musical heritage.