Afrobeats singer and songwriter Ikuforiji Olaitan, popularly known as Oxlade, has called on his fellow Nigerian musicians to return to producing longer songs, advocating for a revival of the classic five-minute track format.
Taking to his X handle on Thursday August 28, Oxlade wrote:
“Bring back 5 minutes songs.”
His post sparked widespread support from fans and music enthusiasts, many of whom echoed his sentiments about the brevity of contemporary Nigerian music.
In recent years, the Nigerian music industry has seen a noticeable shift toward short-form tracks, often ranging between two to three minutes. This trend, popularized by artists like Wizkid and Mr Eazi, gained momentum between 2019 and 2021 with the rise of newcomers such as Rema, Joeboy, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr.
Ironically, Oxlade himself contributed to the trend with his 2022 breakout hit “Kulosa”, which runs for just 2 minutes and 31 seconds. Despite its brevity, the song achieved global success, further reinforcing the appeal of short, replay-friendly tracks.
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In contrast, South African Amapiano songs often span seven minutes or more, offering extended grooves and layered production that cater to dance floors and immersive listening experiences.
Oxlade’s appeal reflects a growing desire among artists and listeners for more substantive musical storytelling, reminiscent of earlier eras dominated by longer compositions from legends like 2Baba, Psquare, and Wande Coal.
Whether the industry will shift back toward extended formats remains to be seen, but Oxlade’s message has reignited a conversation about artistic depth, listener engagement, and the evolving structure of Afrobeats music.
