Nigerian singer Oxlade has called on his colleagues in the music industry to return to producing longer tracks, stressing the importance of creativity and depth in Afrobeats.
The fast-rising star, known for his soulful sound and lyrical delivery, said the trend of releasing short songs—often less than three minutes—diminishes the storytelling and emotional connection that music should create.
“Bring back five-minute songs,” Oxlade declared, urging artistes to prioritize quality over streaming numbers. He noted that longer tracks allow musicians to experiment, showcase artistry, and deliver fuller experiences to their listeners.
His comments come amid growing debates about how the streaming era has influenced song length, with shorter tracks seen as a strategy to maximize streams and chart performance.
Fans have reacted positively to Oxlade’s statement, with many agreeing that extended songs often become timeless classics in Nigerian and global music.
