Nigerian international superstar Davido has officially dropped his fifth studio album, 5ive, a 17-track masterpiece that marks a defining moment in his illustrious career. Coming off the success of his 2023 album Timeless, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album and spawned hits like the Musa Keys-assisted Unavailable, Davido has once again raised the bar with 5ive. The album, executively produced by Davido himself alongside creative direction from Alwajud and Tycoone Umarudeen, arrives hot on the heels of three buzzworthy singles: Awuke featuring YG Marley, Funds with ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike, and Be There Still, a vibrant Amapiano-infused track co-produced by Marvey Muzique, DJ Maphorisa, and Black Culture. With 5ive, Davido delivers a project that celebrates his journey and pushes Afrobeats further into the global spotlight.
5ive sees Davido’s artistic evolution and his ability to bridge cultures through music. Spanning 17 tracks, the album boasts an eclectic mix of genres—Afrobeats, R&B, Amapiano, dancehall, and pop, reflecting his willingness to cater to diverse markets. The star-studded guest lineup is a global affair, featuring Nigerian stars like Omah Lay (With You), Victony and Musa Keys (Holy Water), ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike (Funds), alongside international acts such as Chris Brown (Titanium), Victoria Monét (Offa Me), Becky G (Tek), Shenseea and 450 (R&B), Tayc and Dadju (Lover Boy), and YG Marley (Awuke). This cross-continental collaboration underscores Davido’s status as a global superstar, a vision he articulated in a press release: “This one right here shows my growth, my journey, and where I am now in my life and my artistry.” The tracklist, unveiled on Instagram on April 14, 2025, with the caption “Legacy is not what you leave behind, but what you breathe into the future,” generated massive anticipation, with fans praising the diverse roster and early singles climbing charts across platforms.
Each track on 5ive tells a story, blending Davido’s signature high-energy delivery with introspective moments. Standouts include Awuke, a reggae-infused banger with YG Marley that became the album’s lead single and resonated for its socially conscious undertones, and Funds, a gritty yet soulful collaboration with ODUMODUBLVCK’s raw rap energy and Chike’s emotive vocals, which Davido described as a song about “the mindset, the struggle, and the rewards” of staying true to one’s grind. Be There Still brings an uptempo Amapiano vibe, showcasing Davido’s knack for genre-blending, while tracks like Holy Water with Victony and Musa Keys and With You featuring Omah Lay highlight his synergy with Nigeria’s new wave of talent. International collaborations shine as well—Chris Brown, a longtime collaborator, delivers a radio-ready hit on Titanium, while Victoria Monét’s soulful touch on Offa Me adds an R&B flair that’s already a fan favorite. Becky G’s Latin pop influence on Tek and the French R&B stylings of Tayc and Dadju on Lover Boy further diversify the album’s soundscape, making it a true global offering.
Beyond its musical excellence, 5ive represents a milestone for Davido, born David Adeleke, who has spent over a decade shaping Afrobeats’ global ascent. As one of Africa’s most influential artists, with four Grammy nominations—including a 2025 nod for Best African Song Performance for his feature on Chris Brown’s Sensational—Davido has consistently delivered hits, from Dami Duro in 2012 to Fall and If, which fueled Afrobeats’ crossover in the late 2010s. 5ive is his fifth studio album, a number he’s emphasized as symbolic of his current standing, telling fans during a Twitch stream with Cruel Santino that the title reflects “where I stand, five albums in.” His hands-on role in co-producing several tracks, a detail he shared in interviews, adds a personal touch to the project, showcasing his growth as not just a performer but a creative force.
The album’s rollout was a spectacle, with Davido hosting pre-release events in Nigeria, New York, and Paris, where he performed unreleased tracks like the Victony and Musa Keys collaboration to rapturous crowds. A full album performance in London on April 17, 2025, at La Machine du Moulin Rouge further heightened excitement, as did his 5ive city tour, which included stops in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and London, with a stadium show planned for Tottenham in July. Social media buzz has been relentless, with fans hailing 5ive as a “genre-bending” project that could outshine Timeless, which peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s World Albums chart.
5ive, more than an album, is a cultural moment that cements Davido’s legacy while pointing to the future of Afrobeats. At 32, he’s not just resting on his laurels as a pioneer; he’s actively shaping the genre’s next chapter. With nominations in five categories at the 2025 Headies, including Artist of the Year, and a growing discography that resonates across continents, Davido’s influence is undeniable. 5ive proves he’s still hungry, blending African pride with a global sound that invites everyone to the party. As he told Billboard, “We’re just getting started,” signaling that this milestone is merely a launchpad for what’s next in his storied career.
Listen to the 5ive album here.
