Oxlade and Fally Ipupa Deliver a Classic Serenade on “IFA”

The latest vehicle that drives us closer to the Oxlade soundscape is “IFA,” a buttery collaboration with the great Congolese artist, Fally Ipupa. With both artists having mastered the art of love songs, there’s more than enough mutual ground to stand and thrive on. A mesmerizing set of adlibs from Oxlade sets the record underway, with the production from Edgar Boi serving the groove with the right mood and intensity.

An after-work type of affair, “IFA” quickly earns its big name collaborator, boasting the sort of waist-spinning melodies Fally Ipupa has utilized in serenading generations of African music lovers. And, indeed, Ipupa carries the tune well from Oxlade, the Nigerian artist’s vocal flamboyance blended into his sensual maturity, as he delivers a winding verse that adds to the song’s pulpy quality.

Expected on September 20, Oxlade of Africa is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of this period. With stars like Dave and Flavour appearing on previous singles, the cross-continental vision of Oxlade is being executed in real time, and with artists whose own music has traveled those same paths. It’s an intentional alliance of interests, and “IFA” continues building towards that narrative arc.

Through its blend of Afrobeats and Congolese rumba, it brings together two important sonic movements, playing up their strengths and setting the perfect terrain for Oxlade and his guest.