How I was racially abused in France – Oxlade recounts belittling experience

• Oxlade has spoken on the experience that shaped and inspired his debut album, Oxlade From Africa.
• The singer who was embroiled in a scandal two years ago spoke on being abused racially when he was in Monaco, France.

Singer Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, better known as Oxlade, has recalled suffering racial abuse in France.

Appearing on a recent episode of ‘The Datebizz’ podcast, the singer revealed that the experience inspired the title of his debut album, ‘Oxlade From Africa.’ Oxlade said:

“I decided to name my album ‘Oxlade From Africa’ because I was racially abused in France, precisely Monaco.”

“That was what woke me up to be an African. It also made me realise that African stigma exists. In Africa, we see ourselves as normal human beings but outside Africa, they [foreigners] see us as monkeys, strange beings.”

Oxlade, a graduate of History and International Relations, also claimed that the names Africa and Nigeria are both derogatory.

Meanwhile, Oxlade warmed the hearts of his fans as he welcomed his father on stage during his album listening party on Wednesday night, September 18, 2024.

He prostrated before his dad before they hugged on stage. The singer’s dad expressed excitement about attending the event, calling the attendees wonderful people and shared pride in his son.

Oxlade while speaking stated that he dropped out of school because he was targeted by gangs.

According to the singer, he dropped out of Lagos State University in his final year, because leaving the school environment was the best decision for him.

The ‘Kulosa’ crooner described the situation as a ‘crazy time’.

“I dropped out of the university in my final year because it was a crazy time. There were some gangs after me because I’m a fine boy. Being a fine boy makes you a target. It is either you join them or they o** you. So I had to leave that environment.”

“I went to Lagos State University (LASU). Go and read about the school. Now, they’re more focused on academics. I think they’ve realized how fragile life is and how important it is to pursue your dreams, so they’ve cracked down on that kind of behaviour. Now everyone is chasing money, but at that time, it was a hot period.

“After I left school, I ran away from home because I couldn’t tell my family why I dropped out,”