Entertainment
Oxlade Reveals Racial Abuse in France and Inspiration Behind Debut Album
Nigerian singer Ikuforiji Olaitan, widely known as Oxlade, recently opened up about a painful incident of racial abuse he experienced in France, which deeply influenced his artistic journey.
In a revealing conversation on The Datebizz podcast, Oxlade shared how the disturbing encounter in Monaco shaped the title of his debut album, Oxlade From Africa.
According to the singer, the event was a significant turning point in his life and career, awakening him to the harsh realities of racial discrimination.
Recalling the incident, he 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.”
He explained that while Africans view themselves as regular human beings, the perception abroad can often be dehumanizing.
“In Africa, we see ourselves as normal human beings but outside Africa, they [foreigners] see us as monkeys, strange beings,” Oxlade lamented, highlighting the racial prejudice that many Africans face when traveling or living abroad.
A graduate of History and International Relations, Oxlade also offered a critical reflection on the names “Africa” and “Nigeria,” stating that both terms carry derogatory connotations.
He believes that these names, imposed during colonial times, continue to influence how the rest of the world perceives Africans, perpetuating stereotypes and stigma.
This perspective adds a deeper layer to his music, where themes of identity and African pride play a significant role.
Oxlade’s experience underscores a broader conversation about the global African identity and the challenges of confronting racism in international spaces.
His album Oxlade From Africa serves not only as a personal statement but also as a cultural expression of pride in his heritage, born from adversity and resilience.
Through his music, Oxlade seeks to address these issues, creating a platform where African voices can rise above prejudice and reclaim their narrative.
The long-awaited trial in the murder case of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur has reached a major development, with Duane “Keffe D” Davis sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on October 13, 2026.
Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in August 2026 for his role in orchestrating the 1996 killing. Tupac was shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later.
During the sentencing, the judge addressed Davis, rejecting his claims that he had changed his life and moved on from his past. “Mr. Davis, for three years, I’ve heard you say some variation of the same thing to law enforcement, [in interviews], in your book, and it’s something like, ‘Yeah, I was involved in this, but I’m different. I’ve moved on. I got out of Compton. I’m a grandfather now.’ I’m here to tell you that’s not how this works,” the judge said.
She continued “You don’t get to take a man from his family. You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.
“The world never forgot about him and his death, and neither did Las Vegas. It took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on Sept. 7, 1996.”
Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has reflected on how his perception of YouTube movies has changed over the years. The actor recalled that there was a time when he looked down on movies released on YouTube.
However, he now appreciates the opportunities they have provided for his career and joked that he might have struggled financially if he had continued to dismiss them.
Sharing his thoughts in a post on X, Egbuson wrote “Can’t believe I was looking down on YouTube movies at some point. Hunger go don kpai me by now.”
Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has advised young people who are still living with their parents not to rush into moving out because of peer pressure.
The singer encouraged young people to focus on their personal circumstances rather than compare their lives with those of others. He noted that there is no need to leave their parents’ homes simply because they want to feel independent.
Sharing his advice, Dakolo said “No hurry, leave your papa house because of peer pressure. Forget all that, ‘I don’t have my freedom here.’”
Judge Tells Duane Davis He Must Face Justice for Tupac’s Murder
Timini Egbuson Reflects on Embracing YouTube Movies in Nollywood
