Oxlade Calls on Afrobeats Artists to Return to Longer Songs
Nigerian Afrobeats star Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, popularly known as Oxlade, has sparked conversations in the music scene after urging fellow artists to revive the culture of making longer songs.
The singer, famous for his global hit Kulosa, took to his X handle on Thursday to share his thoughts, writing simply: “Bring back 5 minutes songs.” His post quickly caught the attention of fans and music lovers, many of whom agreed with him, reigniting the debate on whether Afrobeats should move away from its growing trend of short tracks.
In recent years, the Afrobeats industry has leaned toward shorter songs, often lasting just two to three minutes. This format became widely popular around 2019, with artists like Wizkid and Mr Eazi setting the tone, while rising stars such as Rema, Joeboy, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr embraced the style between 2019 and 2021. The trend was fueled partly by streaming culture, where shorter songs encourage repeat plays, boosting online numbers.
By contrast, genres such as South Africa’s Amapiano are recognized for their lengthy playtimes, often stretching beyond seven minutes, giving listeners a deeper and more immersive experience. Oxlade’s appeal highlights the differences in how African music genres approach song length and fan engagement.
Interestingly, Oxlade himself once followed the short-song trend. His 2022 breakout hit Kulosa, which became a global success and earned him international recognition, runs for just 2 minutes and 31 seconds. This makes his latest call a reflection of his own evolving perspective on music-making and artistry.
The singer’s statement has sparked discussions on whether Afrobeats artists should balance commercial success with more expressive, extended tracks that showcase artistry beyond quick, catchy hits. For many fans, longer songs not only create space for deeper storytelling but also allow room for instrumental richness—a key element that originally defined Afrobeats.
While Oxlade has not announced whether his next projects will follow this longer format, his appeal has opened up important conversations in the music community about the future of Afrobeats and whether the genre will continue with short songs or revisit its longer, more detailed roots.
