Oxlade, the Nigerian singer, has opened up about his encounter with racial abuse in Monaco, France.
Speaking on an episode of The Datebizz podcast, the 27-year-old songwriter revealed that the incident sparked his African consciousness and inspired his debut album’s title ‘Oxlade From Africa’.
The singer said the incident made him realize that “African stigma exists” and that foreigners often view Africans as “strange beings” or “monkeys”.
“I decided to name my album ‘Oxlade From Africa’ because I was racially abused in France, precisely Monaco. That was what woke me up to be an African,” he said.
“It also made me realise that African stigma exists. In Africa, we see ourselves as normal human beings but outside Africa, they see us as monkeys, strange beings.”
Born Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, Oxlade started to gain attention after he released ‘Away’, his 2020 hit single.
The track also made Rolling Stone ‘top 50 best song list of 2020,’ spurring him into the limelight.
The singer is signed to Troniq Music, Epic Records in France, and Columbia Records in the United Kingdom.
In September, Oxlade released ‘Oxlade From Africa’, his debut album.
The singer also has two extended plays (EP) including ‘Oxygene’ in 2020 and ‘Eclipse’ put out in 2021.
Copyright 2024 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle