Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has released his fifth studio album, 5ive, marking a significant milestone in his career. The 17-track project, unveiled on April 18, 2025, through Davido Music Worldwide, Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment, showcases his evolution as an artist and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats.
5ive is a deeply personal album, reflecting Davido’s journey through recent life events, including the tragic loss of his three-year-old son in 2022 and the subsequent birth of twins. Now a father of five, Davido channels his experiences into a body of work that explores themes of love, resilience, and personal growth.
The album features a diverse array of collaborations with both international and Nigerian artists, including Chris Brown, Victoria Monét, Becky G, Omah Lay, Victony, YG Marley, Odumodublvck, and Chike. These partnerships infuse 5ive with a rich tapestry of sounds, blending Afrobeats with elements of R&B, reggaeton, and dancehall.
Critics have noted the album’s expansive nature, with The Guardian highlighting “flashes of Afropop excellence” while suggesting that the 17-track length could benefit from a more concise focus. Despite these observations, the album has been praised for its standout tracks and Davido’s emotive vocals.
Commercially, 5ive has made a significant impact, becoming the most globally streamed Afrobeats album on its first full day on Spotify, amassing over 6 million streams. This achievement underscores Davido’s global appeal and the growing international appetite for Afrobeats music.
Beyond personal expression, Davido uses 5ive as a platform to advocate for the Afrobeats genre. He emphasizes the importance of unity among African artists and the need for proper credit and inclusion when non-African artists engage with Afrobeats. His vision is for a collaborative and respectful global music community that recognizes and honors the roots of the genre.
5ive is now available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and Boomplay. Fans can also anticipate a global tour, where Davido will bring the 5ive experience to audiences across Africa, Europe, and North America.
