Oxlade Reveals Racial Abuse Experience in France Inspired His Debut Album
Nigerian singer Ikuforiji Olaitan, widely known as Oxlade, has opened up about a troubling incident of racial abuse he endured in France, which later inspired the title of his debut album, Oxlade From Africa.
In a recent appearance on The Datebizz podcast, Oxlade recounted the painful experience that took place in Monaco. He explained that the racial abuse made him more conscious of his African identity and the stigma that Africans face abroad.
“I decided to name my album Oxlade From Africa because I was racially abused in France, precisely Monaco,” he shared during the podcast interview. “That was what woke me up to be an African. It also made me realise that the African stigma exists. In Africa, we see ourselves as normal human beings but outside Africa, they [foreigners] see us as monkeys, strange beings.”
Oxlade, who holds a degree in History and International Relations, also pointed out that the names “Africa” and “Nigeria” carry derogatory meanings, further highlighting the challenges faced by the continent in terms of perception abroad.
The artist’s revelations have sparked conversations on social media, with many fans expressing support for his boldness in addressing the issue of racism and its impact on his career.