Afrobeats sensation Oxlade has urged his fellow artists to revive the era of five-minute songs, sparking a lively conversation across social media. In a recent post on his X handle, the singer expressed nostalgia for longer tracks, encouraging colleagues to bring back the extended song format.
Oxlade’s appeal struck a chord with many fans and musicians who took to the comments to support his view. His call contrasts with the prevailing trend in Afrobeats, where shorter songs have become the norm, especially since the rise of artists like Rema, Joeboy, and Ayra Starr between 2019 and 2021. These quick, catchy tracks have reshaped the genre’s sound and streaming culture.
Interestingly, South Africa’s Amapiano scene still favors longer tracks, often stretching beyond seven minutes, showcasing a different musical approach within African contemporary music. Oxlade’s plea highlights a desire for more immersive, musically rich experiences in Afrobeats as the genre continues to evolve.