Davido Releases Fifth Studio Album 5ive, A Bold Celebration of Afrobeats and Personal Growth
Nigerian superstar Davido, has officially released his fifth studio album, 5ive, on April 18, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in his illustrious career and the continued global rise of Afrobeats. Distributed through Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment UK and Columbia Records, the 17 track project arrives as a bold testament to Davido’s evolution as an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural icon.
5ive is Davido’s fifth studio album, following his debut Omo Baba Olowo (2012), A Good Time (2019), A Better Time (2020), and the Grammy-nominated Timeless (2023). The album’s title, 5ive, symbolizes not only its place in his discography but also his enduring presence in an industry he has helped transform. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Davido described the project as “a reflection of my heart, my hustle, and the love I have for this game.” He dedicated the album to his fans, whom he credits for his resilience through personal and professional highs and lows.
The album opens with a poetic overture by Nigerian wordsmith Alhanislam, whose evocative lines “Five is freedom, a flame that endures/The son of the soil, lifting the world” set a reflective tone. Speaking to Billboard, Davido elaborated on the album’s significance: “This one is for the culture, for my people, and for everyone who’s ever believed in the dream. Afrobeats is bigger than ever, and I’m proud to be part of this moment.” The project celebrates Davido’s journey as a father, artist, and global ambassador.
5ive comprises 17 carefully curated tracks, a signature format for Davido, distilled from over 80 recorded songs. The album seamlessly blends Afrobeats with R&B, Amapiano, reggae, and pop, showcasing Davido’s versatility and his knack for crafting universally appealing music. As both a performer and co producer on several tracks, Davido demonstrates a hands-on approach, ensuring the album reflects his artistic vision.
The project features 13 guest artists, creating a dynamic cross-cultural dialogue. Standout tracks include:
“Conquer”, “Funds” featuring Odumodublvck and Chike, “Awuke” a reggae infused banger with YG Marley, “Be There Still”, “Offa Me” a sultry R&B pop collaboration with Victoria Monét, bridging Afrobeats with American soul, “Titanium” featuring Chris Brown, “Holy Water” featuring Victony and Musa Keys. Other notable features include Omah Lay, Becky G, Shenseea, 450, Tayc, and Dadju, adding global flair to the project.
The journey to 5ive began in December 2024, when Davido announced the album’s title and an initial release date of March 14, 2025, via a vibrant social media campaign. The announcement coincided with the release of “Funds” on December 6, 2024, which Davido performed at his birthday concert in Atlanta, generating significant buzz. Two additional singles, “Awuke” and “Be There Still,” followed, further building anticipation.
5ive arrives at a transformative moment for Afrobeats, which has evolved from a regional genre to a global powerhouse. The establishment of dedicated Afrobeats categories at awards like the Grammys and Billboard Music Awards underscores the genre’s influence, and Davido has been a key figure in this ascent. 5ive is a cornerstone of what promises to be a landmark year for Davido.
To support 5ive, Davido kicked off his album tour with a headline performance in London on April 17, 2025, where he debuted the full album to a sold out crowd. Additional tour dates are expected across Africa, Europe, and North America, promising to bring the album’s infectious energy to fans worldwide.
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