Nigerian Afrobeats star Oxlade has publicly acknowledged fellow artist Fireboy DML as a pivotal mentor who shaped his artistic development, crediting him with revolutionizing his approach to songwriting and composition. During a live-streamed conversation hosted by content creator Shank Comics, the “Kuluso” singer emphasized that Fireboy’s guidance during his early career stages profoundly influenced his craft, calling the experience “life-changing.”
Oxlade, whose breakout singles like “Away” and “Ojuju” have garnered global attention, highlighted Fireboy’s lyrical prowess as unmatched in Nigeria’s competitive music scene. “When it comes to pen game, nobody is touching him,” he declared, using Nigerian slang for songwriting skill. “I learned how to properly compose music from Fireboy. He was miles ahead.” Reflecting on their collaboration, the 26-year-old artist explained that Fireboy played a central role in his transition toward more structured music creation before he established his signature style.
The mentorship reportedly occurred during a formative phase for Oxlade, who has since become known for fusing Afrobeats with soul and R&B influences. Fireboy DML, a Grammy-nominated artist signed to Olamide’s YBNL Nation label, rose to fame with hits like “Vibration” and “Peru,” earning acclaim for his poetic lyricism. Both artists are regarded as part of a generation reshaping Afrobeats’ global reach through genre-blending experimentation.
Oxlade’s revelations underscore the often-unseen collaborative networks within Africa’s fast-growing music industries, where established acts frequently nurture emerging talent. His comments have sparked discussions among fans about mentorship’s role in artistic evolution, with many noting parallels between Fireboy’s melodic storytelling and Oxlade’s emotive vocal delivery. Industry observers suggest such cross-pollination of skills contributes to the creative diversity propelling Afrobeats onto international charts.
The live-streamed interview, hosted on Shank Comics’ digital platform, offered rare insight into Oxlade’s creative journey. As Afrobeats continues gaining traction worldwide, with artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid achieving mainstream success, stories of mentorship and artistic kinship highlight the genre’s communal growth ethos. Fireboy DML has yet to publicly respond to the tribute, but supporters of both musicians have celebrated the acknowledgment as a testament to collaboration over competition in shaping cultural movements.
