Afrobeats trailblazer Davido has once again raised the bar with the release of his fifth studio album, 5ive — a genre-blending, emotionally layered project that celebrates both his personal evolution and his status as one of Africa’s most consistent hitmakers.
Released on April 18, 2025, 5ive isn’t just another entry in Davido’s discography — it’s a bold declaration of reinvention. The 17-track body of work taps into themes of love, growth, loss, and global unity, shaped by the highs and lows of his journey over the past few years.
What truly makes 5ive stand out is its world-class collaborative roster. From Chris Brown and Victoria Monét to Becky G, Omah Lay, Shenseea, Victony, and YG Marley, the album functions as a cross-continental playlist, uniting sounds from Lagos to Los Angeles, Kingston to Kingston-upon-Thames. Tracks like “Be There Still”, “With You”, and “Don’t Know” have already been flagged as emotional and sonic high points, showcasing Davido’s unmatched ability to hop from vulnerable melodies to dancefloor-ready bangers.
But beneath the gloss of global collaborations lies a story of resilience. 5ive is deeply personal. It emerges from the shadows of Davido’s devastating loss in 2022, when he and his wife, Chioma, lost their son Ifeanyi. A year later, the birth of their twins marked a new dawn, and this emotional pendulum swings heavily in the heart of the album.
Critics, including The Guardian, have praised 5ive for its ambition, though some suggest that trimming a few tracks from the mid-section would have strengthened the overall momentum. Still, it’s clear the album’s intention isn’t just about radio hits — it’s about legacy.
And Davido isn’t stopping at music. He’s also taken the 5ive brand beyond the studio, launching a restaurant of the same name, merging his passion for entertainment, lifestyle, and business into one cohesive empire. It’s Afrobeats — but also Afrobusiness.
With 5ive, Davido doesn’t just remind us why he’s one of Afrobeats’ most prolific forces — he shows us what it looks like when a star dares to grow, grieve, and glow up on the world stage.
Davido’s 5ive is more than an album — it’s a movement.
