Oxlade Calls for a Revival of Extended Song Lengths in Afrobeats
Renowned Afrobeats artist Ikuforiji Olaitan, widely known as Oxlade, has publicly urged fellow musicians to reconsider the trend of producing shorter tracks and instead embrace longer compositions. Through a message shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, he emphasized the need to “bring back five-minute songs.”
The Shift Toward Concise Tracks in Nigerian Music
Oxlade’s appeal struck a chord with many fans and industry insiders who echoed his sentiments in the comment sections. This call comes amid a noticeable shift in the Nigerian music scene, where songs have increasingly become brief, often lasting just over two minutes. This trend has been particularly prominent since 2019, coinciding with the rise of artists like Rema, Joeboy, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr, who have popularized succinct, catchy tunes.
Comparing Regional Music Trends: Nigeria vs. South Africa
Interestingly, this brevity contrasts sharply with the South African Amapiano genre, where tracks frequently extend beyond seven minutes, allowing for more elaborate musical exploration and gradual build-ups. This difference highlights varying artistic approaches within African music markets, with Nigerian Afrobeats favoring radio-friendly, fast-paced songs, while Amapiano embraces longer, immersive experiences.
Origins and Impact of the Short Song Phenomenon
The movement toward shorter songs was initially popularized by Nigerian superstars Wizkid and Mr Eazi, whose early works set a precedent for concise, impactful music. Their influence paved the way for a new generation of artists who adopted this style, contributing to the rapid consumption and streaming success of Nigerian music globally.
Oxlade’s Own Contribution and Reflection
Oxlade himself has participated in this trend; his 2022 hit “Kulosa” clocks in at just 2 minutes and 31 seconds, exemplifying the current industry standard. However, his recent statement suggests a desire to return to more expansive song structures that allow for deeper storytelling and musical development.
The Future of Song Length in Afrobeats
As streaming platforms continue to influence music production, the debate over song length remains relevant. Longer tracks can offer richer artistic expression but may face challenges in the era of playlist-driven listening habits. Oxlade’s call invites artists and producers to balance commercial viability with creative depth, potentially inspiring a new wave of Afrobeats songs that blend accessibility with extended musical narratives.
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