Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido has secured another international accolade as his fifth studio album, 5ive, debuted at number one on the UK Spotify album chart.
Released on April 18, 2025, the project underscores his widening influence beyond African markets, following a strong opening week in Nigeria where it claimed the second-highest streaming figures for an album on Spotify Nigeria.
The 12-track record, blending Davido’s signature Afrobeats rhythms with global pop sensibilities, features collaborations with artists like three-time Grammy winner Victoria Monét. Their duet, Offa Me, merges Monét’s R&B vocals with Davido’s percussive delivery, resonating widely since its release. A visually striking music video, dropped days after the album’s launch, further amplified the track’s popularity, cementing it as a fan favorite.
In a recent podcast interview, Davido reflected on pivotal moments that shaped his crossover appeal, including an unexpected 2018 FaceTime call that connected him to Chris Brown. “I got a call from one of Chris’ friends, who’s also Nigerian. He asked if the song playing in the background was mine,” Davido recounted. “When he tilted the phone, I saw Chris Brown dancing to it. We spoke briefly, then I flew to the U.S. to meet him.” That encounter led to their collaboration on Blow My Mind, a 2019 hit that bolstered Davido’s stateside presence.
The 5ive milestone builds on Davido’s decade-long career, marked by strategic partnerships and a relentless touring schedule. His 2023 Grammy nomination for Timeless and sold-out O2 Arena performances hinted at his global trajectory, now reinforced by the UK chart feat.
While streaming dominance often reflects an artist’s cultural reach, Davido’s consistent chart performance highlights Afrobeats’ deepening integration into mainstream Western playlists. Industry analysts note his ability to balance authenticity with cross-border appeal a formula mirrored by peers like Burna Boy and Wizkid as streaming platforms continue dismantling geographic barriers in music consumption.
