Is the Music Too Short to Matter? Oxlade Challenges Today’s Streaming-Driven Sound
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Oxlade recently sparked a buzzy conversation that hit like a beat drop—he took to his X (formerly Twitter) to appeal: “Bring back 5 minute songs.” His post ignited widespread chatter in the music world, particularly around how song length trends impact both the listening experience and industry dynamics.
Why Did Oxlade Make This Call?
In the age of streaming, short songs—often just around two minutes long—have become the norm in the Nigerian mainstream. Stars like Wizkid, Mr Eazi, and a wave of new talents (Rema, Joeboy, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr) embraced brevity as a strategic move to fit digital consumption habits.
But Oxlade pointed out something else: short music isn’t the only way. He looked south and noticed that South African Amapiano tracks often stretch to seven minutes or more, giving songs the space to breathe and build mood. It’s a contrast that highlights cultural and stylistic differences within African music.
Fan Engagement
Fans flooded his comments with agreement, celebrating the call for a richer listening journey and a return to songs that feel more soulful than snackable.
Oxlade’s Journey & Artistic Context
Oxlade, born Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, has always prioritized emotive songwriting and smooth vocals. Rising from suburban Surulere, Lagos, he broke out with his EP Oxygene (2020), especially the Rolling Stone–recognized hit “Away” (~2:44 in length).
His viral breakthrough came in 2022 with “Ku Lo Sa”. A ~2:28 track delivered live on COLORS that racked up millions of views and streaming milestones.
His debut album, Oxlade From Africa (2024), continued his evolution. It’s been melding Afrobeats, R&B, amapiano, and Afro-swing with notable features across Africa and beyond.
Despite its polished production, some critics felt the album lacked cohesion, though Oxlade has consistently pushed creative boundaries.
Given all that, it’s telling that an artist known for brevity still longs for longer, more explorative tracks. A space to truly stretch and connect.
Other Interesting Topic: Shallipopi Sets Dates for First-Ever Canadian Tour in 2025 — See Dates & Cities
Final Thoughts
Oxlade’s call to “bring back five-minute songs” isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about reclaiming the soulful space in music. It’s a reminder that beyond algorithms and trends, music was (and is) meant for feeling, storytelling, and connection.
As streaming continues to reshape how music is made—and consumed—Oxlade’s message is crystal clear: Let’s not lose the art in favor of brevity. Let the music breathe.
