As the name implies, 5ive marks Davido’s fifth studio album. It follows Timeless, the final piece in a trilogy that helped reaffirm his legacy and global reach. With 5ive, Davido seems more at ease; he’s not trying to prove anything anymore. Instead, the album feels like a victory lap, a toast to longevity.
It opens strong with spoken word poetry. An unexpected but iconic intro choice that sets a tone of reflection and depth. You almost expect the rest of the album to follow suit in terms of boldness and creative intent.
The first two tracks dive into his journey; twelve years of wins, trials, losses, and reinventions. But even with the weight of that journey, the songs lean heavily on familiar formulas: Amapiano log drums, stacked choral backing vocals, and polished party-ready production. While there’s comfort in hearing Davido operate in his element, this reliance on trend-heavy sounds starts to feel repetitive, and in some places, uninspired.
Davido isn’t new to experimentation. Since his teenage debut, he’s dabbled in hip-hop, reggae, Afrobeats, Afrofusion, and R&B. He’s not afraid to play with genres but, even with that track record, 5ive doesn’t feel particularly experimental. Imagine Davido on a 255 or P2J beat. The kind of textured, layered sound those producers bring could transform his vocal delivery and narrative choices. Not only would it stretch his artistry, it’d spark conversations around sound design and vocal maturity. The kind of music that gets studied, not just streamed.
“10 Kilo” brings back classic Davido. That bad boy / lover boy persona, equal parts arrogant and emotional is something he slips into effortlessly. It’s nostalgic in the best way.
On “Offa Me” featuring Victoria Monét, we get something soft, sexy, and airy. It’s the kind of track you’d sing with your partner on a beach getaway. Light-hearted, playful, and warm. The chemistry between their vocals is undeniable, and Monét’s elegance contrasts beautifully with Davido’s rugged tone.
Davido really shines when he collaborates with female artists. “R&B” with Shenseea is another high point. The vocal back-and-forth is flirty and confident, full of attitude and tension. It’s a dynamic that reveals how much more vocally versatile he could be if he leaned into this kind of duet structure more often. He needs more of these collaborations; ones that push him vocally and emotionally
One of the most talked-about tracks, “With You” featuring Omah Lay, is pure melodic magic. Even if you can’t catch every word Omah Lay is singing, the feeling still hits. That’s the power of melody, no translation needed. It’s smooth, hypnotic, and effortlessly replayable.
Then there’s “TITANIUM” with Victony and Chris Brown. Victony delivers a standout verse, controlled and sharp, while CB continues his streak of syncing perfectly with Davido. At this point, their collaborations are a match made in Afropop heaven; effortless and reliable.
Still, for all its high points, 5ive doesn’t break new ground. Some tracks feel like fillers,catchy but forgettable. The lyrics often default to the usual: money, women, vibes, and status. There’s nothing wrong with those themes, but at this stage of his career, Davido has room to go deeper. There’s more to say, and 5ive only hints at that potential without fully committing to it.
5ive is an easy, breezy listen made for summer days, outdoor parties, and sunset cruises. It’s a “just wanna be outside” kind of album: good food, good company, no stress. But when the party fades, there’s a lingering hunger for more. For something richer. Something bolder.
Davido has range, and we know this. We’ve heard him do soft, heard him do loud, heard him do romantic, cocky, spiritual, and street. 5ive showcases a version of him that’s comfortable and confident but not necessarily curious. And maybe that’s intentional. After all, there’s peace in pleasure. But for an artist with his influence, evolution is the real legacy.
The DIY Collective 
Leave a Reply