Davido is in a heated race for the crown of greatest Afrobeats artist of all time—and every release counts. With the pressure mounting and expectations sky-high, the Nigerian superstar continues to meet the moment. His latest project, 5ive, is another powerful addition to his legacy.
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TOP 5
Honorable Mention. With You (Ft. Omah Lay)
One of the standout tracks from 5ive is easily “With You,” featuring rising Afrobeats star Omah Lay. The track boasts the album’s most infectious instrumental—upbeat, colorful, and full of life—making it a favorite of mine.
Omah Lay floats effortlessly over the production, sounding almost intoxicated by the rhythm, while Davido delivers a strong, melodic verse filled with praise for his leading lady. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it’s refreshing to see an Afrobeats OG link up with a new-gen favorite in such a seamless, feel-good way.
Honorable Mention. Titanium (Ft. Chris Brown)
Davido and Chris Brown continue to prove that their musical chemistry is undeniable. Over the years, the two artists have teamed up for multiple collaborations, and their latest offering, “Titanium,” adds another hit to their growing catalog.
Built on a foundation of strength and self-assurance, “Titanium” is all about confidence and embracing a love that truly sees you for who you are. Backed by a vibrant, high-energy production, both Davido and Chris Brown deliver passionate, powerhouse vocal performances that uplift and inspire. Their voices soar effortlessly over the beat, making this track a standout motivational anthem on 5ive.
5. Awuke (Ft. YG Marley)
While “Awuke” sounds great through a pair of headphones, it truly comes alive in a club setting—surrounded by beautiful people, good drinks, and scenic vibes. The track carries a rich, vibrant energy that naturally moves your body and lifts your spirit. YG Marley adds just the right touch of grit, bringing a raw edge that balances the track’s upbeat nature. Meanwhile, Davido delivers one of his most impressive vocal performances yet—smooth, spirited, and full of joy. Altogether, “Awuke” is a feel-good anthem that’s made to be experienced loud and in motion.
4. Offa Me (Ft. Victoria Monét)
I’ll be completely honest with you: Victoria Monét is the main reason this track landed in my top 5. She delivers my favorite chorus on the entire project—it’s sensual, pure, and straight-up hypnotic. I especially love how her vocals glide over the easygoing Afrobeats production, adding a silky layer of magic. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of Davido’s contributions (they felt a little scattered at times), his bold, aggressive delivery actually complements the vibe in a surprising way—like he’s ready to hand his girl a max contract on the spot.
3. Be There Still
I absolutely love the message Davido delivers in “Be There Still.” He reflects on overcoming adversity, rising to meet expectations, and staying relentless in the pursuit of success. Davido also takes a moment to talk his s**t—highlighting his unmatched hustle and resilience. While this might not be his most technically flawless vocal performance, the passion in his delivery more than makes up for it. Add in the feverish tempo of the production and an infectious, chant-worthy chorus, and you’ve got a track that’s both motivational and wildly replayable.
2. R&B (Ft. Shensea & 450)
I’m not going to lie—I’m completely captivated by “R&B,” and for several good reasons. First off, the synth-driven instrumental is absolutely mesmerizing, setting the perfect mood for a track rooted in romance. The magical chorus is a highlight, offering a dreamy, melodic hook that lingers long after the song ends. Davido and Shenseea showcase incredible chemistry, both delivering passionate, smooth performances that make love feel like a rare and golden charm. By the time 450 slides in with a solid verse, I had already mentally rated this track a 4.5 out of 5.
1. Funds (Ft. ODUMODUBLVCK & Chike)
I absolutely love the vibe that “Funds” gives off. The track is built around a smooth, easygoing Motherland-inspired instrumental that feels almost therapeutic. What really elevates the song is its enchanting chorus—it has a warm, autumnal feel, perfect for those “fall in love and spoil your person” moments. The chemistry between Davido, ODUMODUBLVCK, and Chike is undeniable, as each artist brings their own flavor to the track. With a seamless blend of styles and a feel-good energy throughout, “Funds” is a standout that’s both refreshing and memorable.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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OVERALL RATING
(B-) (81%)
If there’s one thing I’ve always appreciated about Davido, it’s that his music rarely has dull moments. He brings an unmatched energy and animation to every track, making it feel like you’re getting your money’s worth every time you press play. With his latest project, 5ive, that tradition continues—and then some.
What makes 5ive stand out is its sonic versatility. While rooted in Afrobeats, the album isn’t afraid to experiment. You’ll hear elements of R&B, amapiano, vibrant synths, and pop seamlessly woven throughout. No matter the soundscape, Davido shows up as his most passionate, confident, and at times delightfully over-the-top self.
One of the album’s strongest assets is its guest features. While you won’t find massive headline names, the collaborators—like Victoria Monét, Shenseea, and YG Marley—blend perfectly with Davido’s energy, helping to elevate the album without overpowering it.
Lyrically, 5ive leans into positivity and empowerment, offering a refreshing take on love and life that feels uplifting and needed. It’s a reminder of how impactful music can be when it’s honest and full of joy.
What would I change about 5ive? Honestly, nothing. While not every track is a favorite, the album as a whole is cohesive, consistent, and summer-ready—exactly what you’d want from a top-tier Afropop release.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
