“Bring back 5 minutes songs,” the singer wrote on his official X handle on Thursday. His post quickly gained traction, sparking conversations among fans and fellow artists who echoed his sentiment.
Over the past few years, Nigeria’s mainstream music has increasingly shifted towards shorter songs, often running just over two minutes. Industry watchers say the shift was popularised by superstars like Wizkid and Mr Eazi and later cemented by a new wave of hitmakers including Rema, Joeboy, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr, who rose to prominence between 2019 and 2021.
The shorter format has largely been driven by the streaming era, where quick, catchy tracks often perform better on digital platforms. However, critics argue that the trend leaves little room for creativity and musical depth.
Oxlade himself has not been exempt from the pattern. His chart-topping 2022 single Kulosa — which became a global viral hit — runs for just 2 minutes and 31 seconds. By contrast, South Africa’s Amapiano genre has built a reputation for longer tracks, often stretching beyond seven minutes, giving space for layered instrumentals and vocal experimentation.
With his public appeal, Oxlade appears to be advocating for a shift back to fuller song structures, one that could restore a balance between streaming performance and musical richness.