Nigeria: Oxlade shares two-track pack

‘Katigori’, an uplifting anthem conveying its author’s aspirations and determination to achieve greatness, was produced by Timmy. ‘Piano’, on the other hand, unfolds as an impressive amapiano love song that blends the soft hits of a log-drum, piano and drums with Oxlade’s signature falsetto and ad-libs. It was produced by P-Prime.

“Katigori is a three-year-old record [in the making], it was created in a space where I had fame but not success,” Oxlade said. “It was me manifesting where I am now and prophesying my future because I feel like there’s a moment in my music career where everybody will accept that I’m the GOAT [greatest of all time]. On the other hand, ‘Piano’ is a result of all my fast-paced records that didn’t get the blessings they deserved. Now that I have the audience and numbers, I want to show everyone the fast, club side of Oxlade. ‘Piano’ is the strongest song I’ve dropped this year musically. I want everyone to have two sides of the coin, the cautious Oxlade and the party Oxlade. ‘Piano’ is a love song, ‘Katigori’ is a statement piece, letting them know that we’re not mates.”

Oxlade, born Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, possesses a distinctive musical style that merges Afro-fusion, R&B and pop genres. Influenced by artists such as Enya, Lauryn Hill, Mali Music and Jon Bellion, his work predominantly explores the theme of love.

The singer, signed to Epic Records, is behind well-received singles including ‘Ojuju’ and ‘Away’, which Rolling Stone named among the 50 best songs of 2020. His viral song ‘Ku Lo Sa’ has been certified double platinum in Switzerland, platinum in Canada, France and Germany, and was named the fifth top song of 2022 by Complex and the second best Afropop song of 2022 by Rolling Stone. In the same year, he was tipped by music video network Vevo as an artist on the cusp of global breakthrough in 2023.

Over his career, he has collaborated with top African acts including Sarkodie, Fireboy DML, Ice Prince, Davido and CKay, among others. His notable accolades include a recent sweep of five nominations at the 2023 Headies in addition to a Billboard nomination for the Top Afrobeats Song.