Why I don’t smoke — Oxlade

Afrobeats star Ikuforiji Olaitan, popularly known as Oxlade, has explained why he does not smoke or take hard drugs, citing his Christian upbringing and deep roots in church music.

Speaking in a candid interview with gospel singer Tim Godfrey, the Ku Lo Sa hitmaker said his family background and years of service in the church shaped his values, personality and approach to music.

Oxlade noted that he comes from a strongly Christian and musically inclined family and began his music journey in the choir, an experience he says laid a solid foundation for his career.

“I don’t smoke. I don’t take drugs. I was a choir coordinator for every age group; children’s church, teen church, the youth choir and the mass choir.

“All my life, I have been in the choir. I was raised in a musically inclined family. My grandma is a deaconess and an amazing singer. My grandad used to be a multi-instrumentalist. My mum could dance and sing. I have a pastor in my family. My gospel music writing is actually the best. Gospel music is the best music,” he said.

The singer added that his success is rooted in divine grace, regardless of how he is perceived.

“Regardless of whichever perspective I am viewed, you should know that God is equally blessing me as much as he is blessing you. You can’t tour 40 cities with your debut album if God doesn’t want it to happen. As long as God is ordaining these steps and movements, there is really nothing for me to worry about,” Oxlade stated.