More than a decade has passed since Davido first stepped into the limelight, stamping his name as one of Afrobeats’ most influential hitmakers. His classic debut album, “Omo Baba Olowo,” was an audacious introduction to his boisterous and energetic artistry. The 2012 project housed defining hits like “Dami Duro,” “Ekuro,” and “Back When.” By 2013, Omo Baba Olowo had earned Davido the Album of the Year award at The Headies, cementing his arrival as a force in the industry. The year before, he had also clinched The Headies’ Next Rated award, an early prediction of the chart-topping career that lay ahead. From then on, Davido’s music became synonymous with success, flooding the airwaves with songs that influenced the sound of modern Afrobeats.
For Davido, every album is a time capsule. His second studio album, A Good Time released in 2019, was a celebration and affirmation of the highs that came with global success. It was colorful, and vibrant, and housed some of his biggest crossover hits, including “Blow My Mind” featuring Chris Brown and “Risky” featuring Popcaan.
One year later, A Better Time (2020) arrived. Released in the thick of a global pandemic, it took a bold approach almost as if Davido was trying to outrun the uncertainty of the times. The album featured a remarkable lineup of stars, including Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby, and Nas, signaling Davido’s growing influence beyond Africa. Timeless (2023) was a triumphant return after a brief hiatus. Davido came back with a body of work that felt refined, deeply intentional, and bursting with sonic richness. Songs like “Unavailable,” featuring Musa Keys, “Kante” with Fave, and “Na Money,” featuring The Cavemen and Angelique Kidjo became immediate favorites, and the album marked a pivotal career peak, solidifying Davido’s ability to evolve and remain relevant.
Now, in 2025, Davido is gearing up for his fifth studio album,” 5ive,” closing the chapter on a trilogy that defined the past years. From “ A Good Time,” to “A Better Time,” and “Timeless,” each album carried its own identity while maintaining his signature sound. With 5ive, he’s stepping into a new phase, and here’s everything we know about it.
Tracklist:
Across all his previous albums, Davido has stuck to a 17-track format, and 5ive is no different. However, the project was originally a much larger body of work—over 80 songs were recorded, before being carefully trimmed down to a final selection.
The album intro, “Conquer”, is produced by Loudaa, which is followed by “Offa Me”, an R&B-pop fusion featuring the talented Victoria Monét, promising a cross-continental synergy between smooth American soul and Afrobeats’ Loudaa also makes another appearance on “10 Kilo”, a song that is expected to be one of the album’s lead single. While the full tracklist hasn’t been revealed yet, what’s certain is that Davido has carefully curated this project.
Features:
Davido has long proven himself to be a master collaborator. His discography is rich with duets, international link-ups, and genre-blending experiments, and 5ive follows that same blueprint. Reinforcing Davido’s ability to create magic alongside other musicians, 13 artists make guest appearances on the album. Among all the features, Victony’s contribution stands out as a songwriter on the track “Can’t Feel My Face”. Additionally, he appears on “Holy Water”, the album’s outro, alongside Musa Keys. The song is expected to close the project on a high note, possibly with an uplifting undertone. Previously released single “Funds”, featuring Odumodublvck and Chike, also makes it onto the album. The song has already built momentum, and its inclusion on 5ive will only give it a bigger push.
Tour:
Perhaps the most exciting announcement tied to “ 5ive” is the album tour. Following the project’s release, Davido will embark on a tour that covers Nigeria, the UK, and the US. This move is particularly significant because album tours are rare in Nigeria. While many Nigerian artists tour internationally, there is often little focus on local tours, making Davido’s decision a commendable one. By prioritizing his homegrown fanbase, he is strengthening his bond with the roots that have fueled his career from the very start.
A New Era Awaits:
With “5ive,” Davido enters an exciting new phase. His trilogy era is over, and this album is shaping up to be a reintroduction of sorts, one that will not only showcase his consistency but also push his artistry in new directions. The collaborations are promising, the tracklist stays true to his formula, and the tour announcement adds an extra layer of anticipation. If history has taught us anything, it’s that Davido thrives on delivering music that resonates with his audience on a cult-like connection and as April 18 2025 approaches, all eyes are on “5ive.”
