Redlamp 9ja

Introduction

Nigerian superstar Davido returns with his fifth studio album, 5ive, released on 18 April 2025. The title itself marks a milestone: his fifth full-length album, but also signals a phase of growth, reflection and global ambition.

In this review we’ll break down the album’s themes, sound, standout tracks and areas where it could have been tighter—while also considering its place in the wider Afrobeats landscape.

Background & Context

Davido has long been one of the flag-bearers of Nigerian pop/Afrobeats. With 5ive, he recorded between 2023-2025, working across Lagos, London and Los Angeles.
He reportedly sifted through 80 songs with input from family and friends to select the final 17-track project.

The album features a wide range of collaborators, including Omah Lay, Odumodublvck, Victoria Monét, Chris Brown, Shenseea, and others, demonstrating its international ambitions.

Sound & Production

5ive leans into Afropop/Afrobeats roots but doesn’t shy away from genre-stretching. Critics highlight its blend of highlife guitar licks, log-drums, R&B influences and subtle nods to disco and amapiano.

Production is polished and global-facing: you’ll hear night-club ready beats, smooth melodies, and a confident vocal from Davido. One review describes it as “an intoxicating breath of ocean air … thrives on Davido’s magnetic confidence”.

At its best, the soundscape matches the ambition: tracks that feel ready for both Lagos clubs and global streaming playlists.

Themes & Lyrics

Thematically, 5ive deals with legacy, identity, celebration, introspection and a forward-looking perspective. Davido uses the album title to reflect on growth and change.

Lyrical highlights:

On “Funds” (featuring Odumodublvck & Chike) he navigates wealth, ambition and street-perspectives.
Tracks like “Be There Still” show a softer side: love, presence, emotional clarity.
The album also includes celebratory songs, romantic songs, and some more introspective moments.

However, some reviewers note that while the lyrical themes are solid, they occasionally fall into familiar territory without pushing further.

Stand-Out Tracks

“Awuke” (feat. YG Marley) – A smooth Afro-lovers song with an airy chorus, capturing the crossover appeal of the album.
“Funds” (feat. Odumodublvck & Chike) – A powerful fusion of Afrobeats and amapiano; one of the more street-centric tracks on the album.
“With You” (feat. Omah Lay) – Closing the album, this track gets praise for its Chic-inspired guitar and lush arrangement.

These tracks highlight the album’s best blend of global ambition + Nigerian rhythmic identity.

Strengths

Global production & collaboration: The album sounds premium and reflects a worldview rather than purely local.
Confidence & vocal presence: Davido appears assured and comfortable in his skin — which boosts the listening experience.
Genre-versatility: From lovers rock, amapiano, highlife inflections to straight Afropop bangers, the album covers ground.
Moments of emotional depth: For example, the softer tracks that show a less party-centric side.

Areas for Improvement

Length & pacing: At 17 tracks, some listeners feel the album becomes slightly bloated mid-way.
Lyrical risk: While the themes are coherent, a few tracks tread familiar ground without deeper innovation.
Feature balance: With so many guests, sometimes Davido’s voice can feel slightly diluted in favour of international appeal. A few critics suggest a tighter focus might have strengthened the core.
Moments of filler: The middle segment of the album is described by at least one review as “windy, repetitive and unambitious”.

Overall Verdict

5ive is a strong entry from Davido — a celebration of where he is, and an indication of where he wants to go. For fans of modern Afrobeats and global pop with Nigerian identity, it offers a lot to enjoy.

If I were to summarise:

What works: Production, global vision, standout tracks and moments of genuine emotional feel.
What could be stronger: More concise editing, a little more lyrical adventurousness, and fewer mid-album dips.
Final score (in my view): 8/10 — a worthwhile listen, especially for fans and for anyone exploring Afrobeats beyond the hits.

Why You Should Listen

If you like artists who blend local rhythms and global pop sensibilities, this album delivers.
The production value is high, making it accessible for casual listening and deep dives alike.
Tracks like “Funds” and “With You” are potential modern classics in the Afrobeats catalogue.
It provides a snapshot of where Afrobeats stands in 2025: confident, genre-fluid, and globally-minded.

Final Thoughts

With 5ive, Davido doesn’t merely rest on his past successes—he reaches outward, both sonically and geographically. The project reminds us that Afrobeats isn’t just a local phenomenon: it’s a global one. That said, the album isn’t flawless—its ambition sometimes overshadows tighter cohesion—but the high points more than make up for it.

If you’re curious about contemporary Afrobeats albums that aim for both home-turf and world stage, 5ive is a must-listen.