Being genuine sits at the core of Oxlade‘s personality. He references that a lot during our conversation through answers to questions, big and small.
Authenticity is the reason why, when you start listening to one song by the afro-pop star, you don’t stop. It’s the rationale behind his confidence and it’s why people are attracted to his music. To Boyflames , there are very few things that matter to him more. “My genuineness got me this far,’ Boyflames tells me on a Friday morning speaking from his studio in Lagos. “In this toxic world, you need to be genuine to go far. Talent fails people, character fails. People work twice as hard as Davido, people have more talent than Burna and Wizkid but don’t have the spotlight. If you want to win, you have to be genuine.”
It’s what’s turned Boyflames into a fan favorite and has garnered him a legion of fans in a relatively short time—and he maintains it in his daily life. As we talk, he openly references his past growing up in Isolo, his mother (”I am a Moms boy!” he tells me), his love for Wande Coal and when the topic lands on music—his music—Boyflames ‘s excitement is as palpable as it is infectious
.
Born I Korede Oladeyi, the 22-year-old singer has been singing since he was 10 but his big break came in 2018 from a collaboration with Nigerian rapper Da Perry. “Maryjane,” the song born out of that collaboration, rose quickly to critical acclaim. It’s been two years since Boyflames came into the scene and in that time, he has established himself as one of the most exciting new acts, secured a Best Artist nomination and one of the biggest fanbases in Nigeria. He recently released MALABJU, an EP of six love songs where he does what he does best:fuse sounds, bend genres and stir feelings.
We sat down with Boyflames following the new release to talk about his EP, influences and more
