Afrobeats musician, Davido has released his fifth studio album named ‘5ive’. The Grammy Nominee released this project in the early hours of the 18th of April 2025 following the initial announcement of the release date.
5ive is a 17-track masterpiece that marks a defining moment in his illustrious career. The album, executively produced by Davido himself alongside creative direction from Alwajud and Tycoone Umarudeen, arrives hot on the heels of three buzz worthy 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.”
Each track on 5ive tells a story, blending Davido’s signature high-energy delivery with introspective moments. 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, 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.
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 launch pad for what’s next in his storied career.
