Nigerian Afrobeats artist Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulraham, known by his stage name Oxlade, is popular for dropping steady hits and an impressive album, Oxygen for his debut. He is back and better on the Nigerian scene with Ku lo sa, a song named in the Yoruba equivalent of the word “closer”.

Oxlade is one of Nigeria’s hot, fast-rising artistes. With popular hits to his acclaim like Shugar, Away, Ojuju, Wait For You, Hold On, Pay Me, Kokose, Interest, My Bella, Stuntin’ and Frenemies.

The popular music artist also has several award nominations, the likes as “Rookie of the Year” and “Next Rated” under The Headies Awards (2019), “Next Rated Artist (Male)” under City People Music Awards (2020),  “Best New Artist” under African Entertainment Awards USA (2021) and “Best Artist, Duo or Group in African RnB and Soul” under All Africa Music Awards (2021).

Oxlade had released several tracks but did not have a big break until his feature on Blaqbonez’s song Mamiwota. Prior to this release, the artiste’s talent was hidden in the shadows. Oxlade continued his rise to stardom after the big release of the hit club rocking-single Away, which was featured on Rolling Stone’s best Songs of 2020.

Ku lo sa is a mid-tempo afro-fusion/Afropop track. It has a feel that is reminiscent of his last single Want You, which surprisingly was not as big a hit as his most recent drop. Ku lo sa currently has over 2.2 million views. The track was premiered on “A Colours Show” on Spotify. Other artists that have performed in A Colours Show include H.E.R, Mahalia, Gunna, Ayra Starr, Doja Cat, Jorja Smith, and a host of other high-profile musical artists.

Since its release, Ku lo sa has made a massive impact on streaming platforms like iTunes, Spotify, Youtube Music, and Charts all over Africa and even globally. The hit track has crossed a fresh milestone as it currently sits at the number one position on Uganda’s Apple Music Song Chart.

The vocals of this song are icing on the cake. Oxlade harmonises the lyrics to perfection, and listening to it gives all the right kind of ear-candy vibes.

The lyrics make the song all the more relatable as it explains the travails of a long-distance relationship while maintaining its catchy mid-tempo. Oxlade confesses he would like to be there for his lover and be ku lo sa (closer) to her. It is evident in the chorus …

I want make we dey (Ku lo sa)

Girl I want make you (Ku lo sa)

I for like make you (Pull over)

Ku lo sa

… where Oxlade explains in the simplest terms what he wants and promises never to break his lover’s heart.

It has your typical Nigerian love song lyrics but the vocals and delivery take it from a regular to a spectacular.

Oxlade is known for delivering masterpieces and Ku lo sa is certainly not an exception. The high point of this song is how relatable it is while maintaining its upbeat vibe. Go right ahead and add this single to your afro-playlist.

Didi Dan-Asisah is an art enthusiast and critic. She lives in Lagos.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.