Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Oxlade, has opened up about the role his colleague, Fireboy DML, played in shaping his music career.
The ‘Ojuju’ hitmaker revealed that Fireboy’s early mentorship was a turning point in his journey as an artist.
Speaking during a recent livestream with popular content creator and streamer, Shank Comics, Oxlade shared how their friendship turned into a learning experience. He said Fireboy’s approach to songwriting stood out from anything he had seen in the Nigerian music scene.
“When it comes to pen game, nobody is touching him,” Oxlade declared with confidence. “I learnt how to properly compose music from Fireboy. He was miles ahead.”
Oxlade explained that before meeting Fireboy, his music lacked the structure and depth that industry-standard songwriting demanded. He described Fireboy’s style as precise, emotional, and polished, qualities that set him apart from many of his peers. According to him, those early lessons transformed the way he approached his craft.
“He was part of my transition into making proper music before I started doing my own thing. Him putting me on was life-changing,” Oxlade said.
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The singer, whose real name is Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, rose to prominence with his unique vocal delivery and infectious melodies. However, he admitted that behind his early success was a willingness to learn and adapt. Meeting Fireboy at the start of his career gave him a foundation that he still builds on today.
Oxlade recalled how Fireboy would often challenge him to refine his lyrics and dig deeper into storytelling. He said the process was not always easy, but it pushed him to grow. “He made me understand that good music is more than a good beat and a nice hook. It’s about the message, the arrangement, and making people feel something,” Oxlade added.
Fireboy DML, known for chart-topping hits like ‘Jealous,’ ‘Vibration,’ and ‘Peru,’ has earned a reputation for his strong lyrical content and relatable themes. His ability to blend poetic expression with commercial appeal has won him both critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. For Oxlade, working closely with such a talent was nothing short of a masterclass.
The friendship between the two artists reflects the collaborative spirit within the new generation of Nigerian musicians. Instead of competing, they often share ideas, give feedback, and support each other’s growth. This culture of mentorship, Oxlade believes, is one of the reasons Afrobeats continues to dominate the global music scene.
As his career flourishes, Oxlade said he remains grateful for those early lessons from Fireboy. He hopes to one day pass on the same guidance to younger artists coming up in the industry. “If someone could take time to show me the way, I can do the same for others,” he said.
With his rising international profile and an ever-growing catalogue of hits, Oxlade’s journey shows that behind every great artist, there is often another artist who helped light the path.
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