Nigerian singer and songwriter Oxlade has achieved a major career milestone with his breakout single “Ku Lo Sa”, which has transformed from a local favorite into a global anthem. Originally released through a live performance for Colors Studio, the song quickly evolved into a viral sensation, driven largely by its organic success on TikTok and other social media platforms.
The track’s catchy hook, smooth melodies, and Afro-fusion vibes resonated with a worldwide audience, earning Oxlade newfound fame across continents. The viral explosion of “Ku Lo Sa” on digital platforms significantly broadened his international reach, proving yet again how African music continues to shape the global soundscape.
How a Colors Studio Session Created a Global Smash
When Oxlade stepped into the ColorsxStudios booth in June 2022 to perform “Ku Lo Sa,” few anticipated the cultural wave the song would generate. Released as part of the Berlin-based music platform’s performance series, the session showcased Oxlade’s captivating vocals in a minimalist, pastel-colored setting. With no backup dancers, flashy effects, or auto-tuned vocals, the singer relied solely on his magnetic presence and raw talent.
Almost immediately after the video’s release, social media users began sharing clips of Oxlade’s shoulder movements, facial expressions, and vocal finesse. Fans and influencers from around the world recreated the performance, mimicked the dance moves, and synced their own TikToks to the addictive chorus. Within weeks, “Ku Lo Sa” became a global meme—and more importantly, a certified viral hit.
TikTok’s Role in Driving the Song’s Success
Although Oxlade had already made a name for himself in the Nigerian music scene with songs like “Away” and features with Fireboy DML and Ice Prince, it was TikTok that pushed “Ku Lo Sa” into a new stratosphere. The app became a breeding ground for endless creative content built around the track. From dance challenges to lip-sync videos, the song was used in millions of user-generated posts.
The numbers tell the story best. On TikTok alone, the song’s sound was featured in over 2 million videos within the first few months of release. Some of the most popular creators and influencers across Africa, Europe, and even the U.S. jumped on the trend. As the track trended consistently on the app, it spread to Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Twitter threads, keeping the momentum alive across platforms.
The virality spilled over to streaming platforms. Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube saw a huge spike in plays and searches for Oxlade’s name. In a short time, “Ku Lo Sa” charted in countries as diverse as France, Brazil, the UK, and India—an impressive feat for a non-album single performed in a live studio session.
Global Charts and Streaming Milestones
What began as a spontaneous viral moment soon translated into concrete chart success. The track entered several global charts, including Spotify Viral 50, Apple Music Top 100 in multiple countries, and Shazam Global Top 200. On YouTube, the live performance alone crossed 40 million views in under six months.
In Nigeria, “Ku Lo Sa” dominated local charts like TurnTable Top 100, while in the UK, it broke into the Afrobeats Singles Chart and maintained a strong presence for several weeks. It also trended on platforms like Audiomack and Boomplay, particularly among African diaspora audiences in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe.
Beyond the charts, the song enjoyed consistent airplay on major radio stations from Lagos to London to Los Angeles. Oxlade’s voice and lyrics, rich with emotion and Afrobeat rhythm, captivated a global audience. For a song that wasn’t backed by a major album or traditional promotion strategy, the scale of success “Ku Lo Sa” enjoyed was nothing short of revolutionary.
Oxlade’s Reaction and Career Boost
Oxlade expressed both shock and gratitude at the song’s massive reception. In several interviews, he shared that “Ku Lo Sa” was intended as a raw, emotionally honest piece—and not necessarily a commercial single. The authenticity, it seems, is what made it resonate so deeply with fans around the world.
Speaking on the virality of the song, Oxlade noted:
“I didn’t expect it to blow up like that. I just wanted to create something real. Seeing the world sing my lyrics back to me has been humbling and exciting at the same time.”
The global success opened major doors. Oxlade began receiving invites to international events, festivals, and collaborations. He performed at headline concerts in London, Paris, and Johannesburg. U.S. media outlets like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and The Fader highlighted him as one of the artists leading Africa’s new wave of global pop influence.
Why “Ku Lo Sa” Hit a Global Nerve
“Ku Lo Sa” is more than just a catchy tune—it captures the emotional depth and sonic creativity that define the new generation of Afrobeats. With its mellow rhythm, romantic lyrics, and unique phrasing, the track defies easy categorization. It blends R&B, highlife, and Afro-pop into a smooth, genre-bending masterpiece.
The simplicity of the live performance also contributed to its appeal. In an era where music videos often rely on flashy production, Oxlade’s decision to strip it all down made him stand out. The choice to showcase just vocals and emotions helped international audiences connect without needing to understand every word of the song.
Another factor in the track’s reach was its cross-cultural flexibility. Non-African audiences embraced it, often unaware of its Yoruba roots, because the emotion in Oxlade’s voice transcended language. This universal resonance placed “Ku Lo Sa” in the same league as global hits from fellow Nigerian acts like Burna Boy’s “Last Last” and Rema’s “Calm Down.”
Afrobeats and the New Era of Global Music
Oxlade’s success with “Ku Lo Sa” signals a broader shift in how African music, particularly Afrobeats, continues to capture worldwide attention. No longer seen as niche or regional, Afrobeats has become one of the dominant sounds in global pop culture.
With platforms like TikTok breaking geographical barriers and giving artists a global audience overnight, the playing field is evolving. For independent and emerging musicians like Oxlade, this presents an enormous opportunity. Talent, originality, and a bit of social media luck can now take African artists from Lagos to the Billboard charts in just a matter of months.
What’s Next for Oxlade?
Riding high on the wave of “Ku Lo Sa,” Oxlade is set to release more music and collaborate with global artists. Industry insiders have hinted at upcoming joint projects with top American and UK acts, as well as an international tour in the works. Fans are eagerly awaiting an official album, which Oxlade has teased could drop in the near future.
There’s little doubt that he now stands among the most promising voices of the Afrobeats movement. With his growing global audience, unmistakable sound, and humble authenticity, Oxlade has proved that a single viral moment—when built on talent and emotion—can reshape a career forever.
