After a two-year wait following the global success of his 2022 hit ‘Kulosa’, Nigerian artist Oxlade has released his debut album, ‘Oxlade From Africa,’ on September 20, 2024. While the album showcases Oxlade’s distinctive vocal talents, critics note that it struggles to connect with audiences, ultimately feeling detached from the very consumers he aims to engage.
With 16 tracks including 6 pre-release singles, the album presents Oxlade as a pan-African musician. However, despite featuring collaborations with various continental artists, many feel these partnerships fail to elevate the overall sound or convey the popstar ambition he seeks. The title track aligns him with a cultural identity that sometimes confuses his artistic direction, especially with his shift from avant-garde popstar aesthetics to more traditional African attire.
The album opens with the ‘D PTSD interlude,’ featuring Ugandan musician Bobi Wine, reflecting on the traumatic experiences of the 2020 #EndSARS protests. While this moment aims to underscore Oxlade’s status as an African cultural icon, some critics argue that it detracts from the album’s coherence, seeming more pretentious than poignant.
Tracks like ‘Blessed’ featuring Popcaan and the Amapiano-influenced ‘On My Mind’ offer enjoyable moments, yet many of the new songs are perceived as lacking excitement and innovation. Critics suggest that while the album retains elements of romantic pop, it doesn’t fully exploit Oxlade’s potential or push artistic boundaries, leaving fans wanting more from his debut effort.
