ALBUM REVIEW: Davido’s “5ive” Is A Cross-Continental Celebration of Growth and Global Vision
Over a decade into a career that helped catapult Afrobeats onto the global stage, Davido returns with 5ive, an ambitious 17-track offering that both honors his roots and showcases his evolution. Following the Grammy-nominated success of 2023’s Timeless, the Nigerian superstar steps into this new chapter with confidence, global flair, and a renewed sense of purpose.
A Masterclass in Collaboration
Davido’s 5ive is nothing short of a global tour in sound. With appearances from heavyweights across continents – Chris Brown, Victoria Monét, Becky G, Shenseea, Dadju, and YG Marley – alongside Nigerian stars like Omah Lay, Victony, ODUMODUBLVCK, and Chike, the album reads like a curated celebration of cross-cultural synergy. Each track reflects a meeting point of genres and voices, from reggae and amapiano to R&B and Latin pop, without compromising Davido’s unmistakable energy.
Standout moments come early: Awuke, a reggae-rooted anthem featuring YG Marley, is both infectious and reflective, while Funds, with ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike, delivers street grit wrapped in soul. Davido also continues his successful creative partnership with Chris Brown on Titanium, a polished, radio-ready track that feels effortless yet intentional.
Balancing Range with Resonance
While 5ive boldly experiments across genres, it’s grounded in emotional resonance. Tracks like With You featuring Omah Lay lean into heartfelt vulnerability, while Holy Water sees Davido, Victony, and Musa Keys tap into a spiritual register – both sonically and lyrically. Elsewhere, Be There Still, co-produced by DJ Maphorisa, offers a pulsating amapiano backdrop for one of the album’s most dancefloor-ready tracks.
The sequencing feels purposeful, threading high-energy bangers with mid-tempo grooves and mellow introspection. It’s a sign of Davido’s maturity – not just as a hitmaker, but as a storyteller capable of curating a cohesive journey across 17 tracks.
An Artist Owning His Legacy
There’s a reason Davido named this album 5ive. Beyond the milestone of it being his fifth studio effort, it’s a symbolic checkpoint. During a livestream with Cruel Santino, he described the title as a reflection of where he stands in his life and career. That intention shows. With hands-on involvement in production and a carefully selected creative team – helmed by Alwajud and Tycoone Umarudeen – Davido isn’t just the voice on the mic; he’s shaping the entire vision.
What emerges is a portrait of an artist who understands both his power and his platform. The line between global pop star and cultural ambassador blurs here, and that’s the point. 5ive isn’t just about Davido – it’s about the genre, the sound, and the future he’s helping to build.
Cultural Moment, Not Just Music Release
In the weeks leading up to 5ive’s release, Davido turned the rollout into a full-blown event, with listening parties and live performances in Lagos, New York, Paris, and London. The album’s official reveal, accompanied by the caption “Legacy is not what you leave behind, but what you breathe into the future,” resonated deeply with fans – and set the tone for what was to come.
With a 5-city global tour already in motion and a highly anticipated stadium show in London on the horizon, Davido’s strategy is clear: this album isn’t just a collection of songs – it’s a movement.
Verdict: 5ive Is Davido At His Most Visionary
At 32, Davido could have easily relied on nostalgia or played it safe. Instead, he’s delivered a dynamic body of work that proves he’s still pushing boundaries – sonically, culturally, and creatively. 5ive is bold without being brash, polished yet personal, and universal in its appeal.
Whether it ultimately surpasses the commercial success of Timeless remains to be seen. But artistically, 5ive raises the stakes. It captures the essence of where Afrobeats is headed – and solidifies Davido’s place at the helm of that journey.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Listen to the 5ive album here.
