Nigerian superstar Davido has offered fans an intimate glimpse into his creative journey and the evolution of Afrobeats during a revealing interview with MixMag.
In a candid and wide-ranging interview with MixMag, Nigerian music icon Davido shared exclusive details about his highly anticipated upcoming album 5ive, as well as his reflections on the global rise of Afrobeats.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the project, Davido revealed that 5ive is more than just a milestone. It is a reflection of his personal growth and artistic evolution. “I’ve just always loved delivering a good body of work and good music,” he said, hinting that the project will continue his tradition of releasing cohesive, impactful albums. “It’s definitely going to be another one of those classic Davido albums,” he added confidently.
The title 5ive holds special meaning for the Afrobeats superstar, marking his fifth studio album and symbolizing key themes in his life at the moment. “I named the album ‘5ive’ because it was my fifth album, and what makes the number five great ended up being exactly what is happening in my life right now – change, growth, and hope,” Davido explained.
Beyond music, the award-winning artist also delved into the evolution of Afrobeats and its expanding influence on global culture. Reflecting on how far the genre has come, Davido emphasized the weight of representation and the shift in global perception of African music. “We have to be very cautious and understand that it’s way bigger than us now,” he said. “We’re representing a whole demographic of people. The culture as a whole, and Afrobeats, have come and changed the mindset about being African. It’s a way different time from when we started.”
He also recounted his early days in the industry and the skepticism he faced from international labels.“This Afrobeats is coming o. We’re going to be the biggest, we’re going to be the hottest,” he recalled telling executives at Sony. “Then, they were looking at me like I was crazy. Now look at them rushing to Nigeria to sign every Tom, Dick, and Harry.”
As one of Afrobeats’ most recognizable faces, Davido continues to use his platform to celebrate African excellence and elevate the sound that has taken the world by storm. With 5ive on the horizon, fans can expect a powerful mix of storytelling, rhythm, and passion that further cements his legacy.
.@davido stars on the cover of Mixmag 5️⃣
On new album ‘5ive’, Davido brings his trademark party anthems, while taking on the role of Afrobeats’ international flagbearer as the sound globalises and evolves.
Read: Mix: pic.twitter.com/efwbGCAKYh
— Mixmag (@Mixmag) April 17, 2025
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