Review: Fifth time’s the charm

Davido’s latest album 5ive is packed with vibes, delivering a (mostly) fun ride into Afropiano, the new, hybrid genre du jour.

Wilfred Okiche

Nigerian pop star Davido is arguably the least forward-thinking of afrobeats’ big three (or four – let’s get Rema in there). He certainly is a strategic gleaner who can put his own spin on established pop culture to craft the perfect hit. But he is a less sure bet for making a significant album length body of work. That said, his latest album promises a good time and mostly delivers.

Departing from the chronology theme of the last three records (A Good Time, A Better Time and Timeless), Davido’s fifth studio record is unsubtly titled 5ive.

It’s a solid, invigorating record that plays on Davido’s strengths as a charming man of the people. (His exuberant personality has always helped him connect with the man on the street, despite coming from a background of immense privilege.)

Two of the singles (Awuke and Funds) preceded 5ive’s April release and pointed to the sonic direction of the record. It is all afrobeat log drums and bouncy synths but by way of amapiano’s basslines and slinky piano melodies. “Afropiano” is what the streets are calling this subgenre these days.

The South African connection is strong here. Funds with ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike samples Brenda Fassie’s classic Vulindlela and the result is extra pleasant, delivering the catchy line, “mismanage my funds on you”. Musa Keys, who worked with Davido on 2023’s hit Unavailable, is invited back to join Davido and Victony on the flirtatious Holy Water, one of the album’s more experimental entries.

Clocking in at a manageable 49 minutes 5ive never overstays its welcome, even while holding space for the odd clunker like the Chris Brown duet Titanium.