Afrobeats star Ikuforiji Olaitan, popularly known as Oxlade, has sparked a conversation in the music industry after urging his colleagues to extend the length of their songs.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, the Kulosa hitmaker wrote: “Bring back 5 minutes songs.” The post quickly gained traction, with fans and fellow music lovers weighing in on the debate.

In recent years, the Nigerian music scene has seen a shift towards shorter tracks, often lasting just two minutes or a little more. This trend, popularized by heavyweights like Wizkid and Mr Eazi, became even more dominant when breakout stars such as Rema, Joeboy, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr rose to fame between 2019 and 2021. The format has proven effective for streaming platforms, where shorter songs often rack up repeat plays and boost chart performance.

However, Oxlade’s call reflects a longing for the era when Afrobeats tracks ran for four to five minutes, offering more depth, storytelling, and musical exploration. Ironically, he too contributed to the short-song wave. His global smash hit Kulosa runs for just 2 minutes and 31 seconds — proof that he has thrived under the same trend he now questions.

For comparison, South African Amapiano artists frequently release tracks stretching beyond seven minutes, showcasing the genre’s immersive nature. Some Nigerian fans now argue that Afrobeats could benefit from longer compositions, allowing musicians to experiment and push creative boundaries.

Whether his appeal sparks an actual shift remains to be seen, but Oxlade has undeniably reignited an important discussion about artistry versus industry trends. With Afrobeats now at the global forefront, his question resonates: should hits be short and sweet, or long and timeless?

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