Oxlade: Fireboy Was Key to My Growth as a Songwriter

Afrobeats artist Oxlade has acknowledged Fireboy DML as a major influence and mentor in his musical journey, sharing that the “Peru” singer played a key role in teaching him the fundamentals of effective music composition.

Afrobeats sensation Oxlade has opened up about the early days of his musical journey, crediting fellow artist Fireboy DML as a key influence in shaping his approach to songwriting and music composition. During a recent live conversation with popular content creator and streamer Shank Comics, the ‘Kulosa’ hitmaker shared how Fireboy played a pivotal role in his artistic development.

How Oxlade’s Music Career Started

According to Oxlade, Fireboy’s mentorship came at a critical point in his career when he was still discovering his sound and trying to understand the deeper elements of music creation. He described the experience as nothing short of transformational, emphasizing how much he learned simply by observing and working alongside Fireboy.

“Back then, Fireboy was miles ahead of me when it came to songwriting and composing music,” Oxlade said. “His pen game is on a whole other level—when it comes to lyrical depth and storytelling through music, no one else in the Nigerian music scene comes close.”

Fireboy’s Guidance to Oxlade

Oxlade explained that before he fully developed his own style and musical identity, Fireboy’s guidance helped him transition from being just a talented vocalist to becoming a more complete and intentional artist. He noted that Fireboy’s influence helped him understand the structure of a good song, the emotional layers that lyrics can carry, and how to express himself with greater clarity and artistry.

“He really helped me figure out how to compose music the right way,” Oxlade added. “That period of mentorship was very significant for me. Fireboy taking the time to put me on and guide me through those early stages—that was a life-changing moment.”

He went on to express his admiration for Fireboy’s unique ability to blend poetic lyricism with melody, calling it a skill that sets him apart in the highly competitive Nigerian Afrobeats landscape.

The heartfelt revelation has since resonated with fans, who praised Oxlade for acknowledging Fireboy’s role in his rise to fame. It also highlights the often-overlooked importance of collaboration, mentorship, and peer-to-peer learning within the music industry.