By Afrobeats superstar David Adedeji Adeleke, better known as Davido, has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s music scene, pushing the genre to global heights with his infectious energy and unrelenting work ethic. On April 18, 2025, he dropped his fifth studio album, aptly titled 5ive, a 17-track project that has ignited both celebration and critique across the music world. But it was a single revelation from Davido himself—shared via an X post by @OneJoblessBoy—that set the internet ablaze: the album’s 17 songs were cherry-picked from a staggering pool of 80 records. This glimpse into his creative process has sparked a firestorm of reactions, raising questions about the album’s quality, Davido’s artistic direction, and the evolving sound of Afrobeats in a globalized era.
A Glimpse Into the Creative Process
In the viral X post, Davido, dressed in a bold red outfit and black beanie, casually shared, “For this album, I picked 17 songs out of 80 records.” The statement, paired with a candid image of the artist in a car, offered fans a rare peek into the meticulous curation behind 5ive. The album, executively produced by Davido himself alongside creative direction from Alwajud and Tycoone Umarudeen, features a star-studded lineup of collaborators, including international heavyweights like Chris Brown, Victoria Monét, and Becky G, as well as African talents such as Omah Lay, Victony, and Musa Keys. With tracks like “Titanium” (featuring Chris Brown) and “Offa Me” (with Victoria Monét), 5ive blends Afrobeats with diverse influences like amapiano, Latin rhythms, and R&B, showcasing Davido’s ambition to bridge African music with global sounds.
The revelation that 63 songs didn’t make the cut has, however, fueled intense speculation. If these 17 tracks represent Davido’s best work, what does that say about the remaining records? Fans and critics alike have taken to X to voice their opinions, with reactions ranging from admiration for his dedication to skepticism about the album’s overall quality.
A Polarized Reception: Fans and Critics Weigh In
The X thread following @OneJoblessBoy’s post captures the divided sentiment surrounding 5ive. Some users, like @Munaco1942, quipped, “Now imagine the rest of 63 😂😂,” while @ASAPaliyu added, “So those 17 are the best ones 😭😭😭😭.” Others, such as @Mikesmith1800__, didn’t hold back, pleading, “Make the remaining no come out abeg 😂 retire.” The skepticism wasn’t limited to the unselected tracks—some fans questioned whether even the chosen 17 lived up to Davido’s legacy. @JasonMitch19 took a jab, referencing a hypothetical challenge from Wizkid: “You can imagine say wizkid accept osakpolor challenge that day… na this kind mid trash songs he be put all him hope 😭🤣.”
On the other hand, Davido’s loyal fanbase has rallied behind him. @UTDTrey hailed him as “The GOAT of Afrobeats,” declaring, “If you don’t enjoy Davido then you don’t enjoy good music. 👑5️⃣🐐.” Similarly, @carterefe__ congratulated the artist, stating, “There’s a reason why you are called 001. You sabi music!” The album’s commercial performance also speaks volumes—5ive has already secured its place as the second most-streamed Nigerian album of 2025 on Spotify, a testament to Davido’s enduring popularity.
Critics, however, have been less forgiving. A scathing review from @DanielRegha on X gave the album a mere 2/10, criticizing its lyrical content and calling out tracks like “10 Kilo” for promoting body-shaming with the term “Orọbọ.” Regha also pointed out a lack of synergy in collaborations like “With You” (featuring Omah Lay) and “Titanium” (with Chris Brown), arguing that the album leans too heavily on Davido’s signature sound and international features to stay afloat. Rolling Stone’s review echoed some of these concerns, describing “Tek” (with Becky G) as the album’s “only real miss” and noting that certain tracks, like “Offa Me,” leaned into tired tropes of Latin sensuality.
5ive in Context: A Global Ambition with Local Roots
5ive arrives as a sequel to Davido’s 2023 Grammy-nominated album Timeless, which was lauded for its ability to weave Afropop with global influences while retaining a distinctly Nigerian essence. The Guardian’s review of 5ive praises its “subtle, luxurious beats” and highlights tracks like “Be There Still” for its sticky chorus and “With You” for its nod to disco with Chic-inspired guitar riffs. However, the review also notes that Davido’s appeal may not be as universal as that of peers like Burna Boy or Wizkid, who have scored massive international hits like “Last Last” and “One Dance.” This sentiment aligns with a broader critique of 5ive: in its pursuit of global relevance, does the album sacrifice the raw, cultural essence that defines Afrobeats?
Davido himself seems aware of this tension. In a post on X, he celebrated the album’s release, writing, “5IVE IS ALIVE !!! My fifth studio album is out now! Thank you all for the love and unwavering support… Remember that you can do anything you put your mind towards.” The album’s themes reflect his personal journey—Rolling Stone notes that Davido’s recent marriage to Chioma and the tragic loss of their son in 2022 are woven into the project’s DNA, with songs like “10 Kilo” and “Funds” celebrating love and resilience. A spoken-word intro by Nigerian poet Alhanislam further grounds the album, likening Davido’s creative journey to a shepherd facing a giant with “a melody all his own.”
The Bigger Picture: Afrobeats’ Global Evolution
Davido’s 5ive is more than just an album—it’s a microcosm of Afrobeats’ ongoing evolution. The genre, once a regional sound, has become a global phenomenon, with artists like Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid leading the charge. Yet, as Afrobeats gains international traction, artists face the challenge of balancing globalráf
The mixed reception to 5ive reflects a broader debate within the Afrobeats community: how much should the genre evolve to appeal to a global audience, and at what cost to its cultural authenticity? For Davido, who has been a trailblazer in the genre since his 2012 debut Omo Baba Olowo, this question is particularly poignant. As Zlatan_Ibile noted on X, “Ever since I met @davido I’ve been blown away by his incredible work rate… His dedication to his craft is unmatched.” But even with 12 years at the top, as Davido sings on “Be There Still,” the pressure to innovate while staying true to his roots remains a tightrope walk.
Final Thoughts: A Milestone Worth Celebrating?
Despite the critiques, 5ive is undeniably a milestone in Davido’s career. Its streaming success, impressive collaborations, and moments of brilliance—like the heartfelt “CFMF” and the motivational “Nuttin Dey”—prove that Davido still has the Midas touch. Yet, the album also highlights the growing pains of an artist navigating fame, personal tragedy, and the demands of a global audience. Whether 5ive will be remembered as a classic or a stepping stone in Davido’s journey remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: at 32, the Afrobeats icon shows no signs of slowing down.
As the conversation around 5ive continues to unfold, fans are left with a question of their own: does the album mark a bold new chapter for Davido, or does it signal a need for deeper introspection? For now, the numbers—and the unwavering support of fans—suggest that Davido’s reign as the “baddest in the game” is far from over.
What do you think of Davido’s 5ive? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
