The rise of streaming platforms has transformed how artistes release music and engage with audiences. In 2023, Mixmag reported that 120,000 new tracks were uploaded to music streaming services daily, underscoring the intense competition for listeners’ attention.
This flood of content presents a dilemma for labels and artistes: Should they chase viral success with singles, or invest in deeper, more cohesive projects?
For Nigerian breakout star Seyi Vibez—and a growing class of forward-thinking artistes—the answer increasingly lies in extended plays (EPs). These concise, 4–6 track releases strike a balance between the algorithmic appeal of singles and the artistic depth of albums. With Nigerian music streams surging by 782% over the past three years (Spotify, 2025), EPs reflect a broader cultural shift: audiences want substance, not just quick-hit moments.
Why EPs Outshine Singles
A hit single, no matter how infectious, can only go so far. It captures a moment or mood but rarely allows an artist to explore complex themes or showcase versatility. EPs, on the other hand, function as condensed albums—providing space for storytelling and sonic experimentation. Few understand this better than Seyi Vibez.
His 2023 EP NAHAMciaga exemplifies the power of the format. While its lead track, “Different Pattern,” topped Apple Music Nigeria’s charts and became the most-played song in 2024, deeper cuts like “Cana” and “Today” strengthened fan engagement. These tracks didn’t just chart—they expanded Seyi’s narrative, reinforcing his reign as a dominant force in Nigerian music.
Catalogue Building: The Silent Stream Generator
In the streaming age, volume is currency. Seyi Vibez has leaned into this reality, releasing eight EPs since 2021—a strategy that has generated 642 million streams in 2024 alone (TurnTable).
“Nigerian fans want regular drops—not 20-track marathons every three years,” says a music executive who requested anonymity. This hunger for constant output makes EPs a smart alternative to the exhaustive process of crafting full albums. artistes like Seyi Vibez capitalize on this by keeping fans consistently engaged without the creative or commercial risk of long-form projects.
EPs as a Comeback Strategy
For many artistes, the comeback single is a high-stakes gamble—it either dominates or disappears. An EP, by contrast, offers a more nuanced return, allowing artistes to showcase multiple dimensions.
When Seyi Vibez released his 2025 EP Children of Africa, he didn’t just re-enter the conversation—he expanded it. The upbeat “Shaolin” and the reflective “Happy Song” catered to both his celebratory and introspective personas. This multi-faceted approach allowed him to connect with diverse fanbases simultaneously—something a standalone single could never fully achieve. The result is the biggest debut week by any EP ever in history with the four tracks totalling 19.4 million on-demand streams during the week of February 21 – 27, 2025 (the equivalent of 12,950 album units). It is also the biggest debut of the artiste’s career.
At just four tracks, the EP left listeners wanting more—an intentional move in an industry where demand drives momentum.
The Risks of an EP-First Strategy
Still, the EP-driven approach isn’t without pitfalls. Oversaturation is a looming concern. Seyi’s 2024 album ‘Loseyi Professor’ received mixed reviews, with some critics suggesting he needed a creative pause.
For others, albums remain essential—not just for storytelling, but for greater consideration in major awards like the Grammys. Yet, as one industry insider points out, “EPs give emerging artistes the freedom to experiment without the pressure of delivering a ‘definitive’ debut.”
Conclusion: Depth as Endurance
Seyi Vibez’s EP-driven blueprint reflects a broader truth about streaming-era longevity: success requires both quantity and quality. Singles may capture attention, but EPs build worlds—and in Nigeria’s hyper-competitive music scene, world-building is survival.
As fans move away from passive listening toward immersive engagement, the EP’s golden age may be just beginning.