-
Davido Gets Candid with MixMag: Talks ‘5ive’ Album, Personal Growth & Afrobeats’ Global Takeover

Afrobeats icon Davido is pulling back the curtain on his creative journey, giving fans a deeper look into his artistic process and the unstoppable rise of African music.
In a recent wide-ranging interview with MixMag, the Nigerian superstar opened up about his album, ‘5ive,’ and the profound shifts happening in both his life and the global music scene.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘5ive,’ Davido revealed that the project isn’t just another milestone—it’s a snapshot of transformation.
“I’ve just always loved delivering a good body of work and good music,” he shared. “It’s definitely going to be another one of those classic Davido albums.” With characteristic confidence, he hinted that this album will blend everything fans have come to expect—rhythm, storytelling, and heart.
The title ‘5ive’ carries symbolic weight. Not only does it mark his fifth studio album, but it also mirrors the themes shaping his life today: change, growth, and hope.
“I named the album ‘5ive’ because it’s my fifth, and the number five means something now. What makes five special is exactly what’s happening to me—evolution,” Davido explained.
View this post on Instagram
But the conversation didn’t stop at music. The multi-award-winning artist also spoke passionately about Afrobeats’ meteoric rise on the global stage and the cultural responsibility that now comes with it.
“It’s way bigger than us now,” he said, noting how artists today carry the weight of representation for an entire continent. “We’re representing a whole demographic of people. Afrobeats changed the narrative—it shifted how the world sees Africa.”
Davido didn’t shy away from recalling the early scepticism he faced from major international labels. “I used to tell the Sony execs, ‘Afrobeats is coming—we’ll be the biggest, the hottest.’ They thought I was crazy,” he laughed. “Now, they’re racing to Nigeria to sign every Tom, Dick, and Harry.”
With the release of ‘5ive,’ Davido continues to stand at the forefront of a global movement—a symbol of African excellence and cultural pride.
The album promises to be not just a musical offering, but a deeply personal narrative wrapped in beats, emotion, and undeniable energy.
If Davido’s track record is anything to go by, ‘5ive’ is set to be another landmark moment—not just for him, but for Afrobeats as a whole.
.@davido stars on the cover of Mixmag 5️⃣
On new album ‘5ive’, Davido brings his trademark party anthems, while taking on the role of Afrobeats' international flagbearer as the sound globalises and evolves.
Read: https://t.co/CCiBL4QodD
Cover Mix: https://t.co/ZenxTJfTmI pic.twitter.com/efwbGCAKYh— Mixmag (@Mixmag) April 17, 2025