Afrobeats superstar Davido released his highly anticipated album 5ive on Friday, marking a major milestone in his career and in the global expansion of the African sound.
In the weeks leading up to its release, excitement had been building across the entertainment world, with celebrities like Cubana Chief Priest, Anthony Joshua, Only1Kesh, and King Concord fuelling anticipation by flashing five fingers in tribute to the project. The symbolic gesture quickly caught fire online, creating momentum for what has become one of the most talked-about music drops of the year.
Adding to the buzz, Davido announced a surprise collaboration with global gaming giant PlayStation just hours before the album dropped. In a viral video campaign, Davido engaged in a light-hearted skit centered on the number “Five”—a clever cross-promotion linking his album to the PlayStation 5 console. The campaign was warmly received by fans and helped drive attention to the album’s launch.
Following a successful show in Paris, Davido headed to London, where he hosted a special album release concert. With fans counting down from five to midnight, the full 5ive album was unveiled live for the first time—creating an unforgettable moment between the artist and his audience.
Speaking to Apple Music, Davido described 5ive as a celebration of endurance and global progress for African music. “This is definitely about celebrating longevity and how far we’ve come,” he said. “Afrobeats is in an amazing place. From South Africa to Ghana to Nigeria, the culture is thriving. We now have Grammy categories, Billboard recognition, and festivals that rival those in America. Every album is a step forward for Afrobeats.”
The project stands out for its blend of genres and international collaborations. Davido teams up with global stars like Victoria Monét, Shenseea, Tayc, and Dadju, while reuniting with familiar names like Chris Brown, Musa Keys, and producers Shizzi, Marvey Muzique, and DJ Maphorisa. The album also highlights new talent, featuring Jamaican artist 450 alongside Nigerian acts ODUMODUBLVCK, Omah Lay, and Chike—demonstrating Davido’s commitment to both global and local artistry.
Since its release, 5ive has sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans and creators alike participating in trends, dance challenges, and sing-along videos across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The album is already making waves on the charts and capturing the hearts of millions worldwide.
Davido sees 5ive not just as a musical milestone but as a statement of purpose. “Legacy is not what you leave behind, but what you breathe into the future,” he shared, underscoring his mission to push Afrobeats to even greater heights.
