Nigerian music sensation Davido has etched his name in history by becoming the first living artist to grace the cover of RollingStone Africa magazine.
This remarkable achievement underscores his ever-growing influence in the global music scene. The milestone is part of the promotional campaign for his highly anticipated fifth studio album, ‘Five,’ which is scheduled for release on April 18, 2024.
The unveiling of the magazine cover has generated a wave of excitement among his fans, further amplifying the anticipation surrounding his new project. Speaking about the significance of this moment, Davido expressed his gratitude, saying, “This is bigger than me. It’s a testament to the power of Afrobeats and how far we’ve come as a culture. I’m honored to be a part of this history.”
As part of the album’s rollout, Davido hosted an exclusive listening party where he shared key details about ‘Five.’ He revealed that the album would feature an impressive lineup of 13 guest artists, including fast-rising Nigerian singer Victony, South African hitmaker Musa Keys, and American R&B star Victoria Monet.
These collaborations promise a rich and diverse soundscape that blends Afrobeats, R&B, and other global influences. Speaking about the selection of artists, Davido remarked, “Every artist on this album was chosen for a reason. We are creating timeless music, and I wanted the best talents to bring their energy to it.”
Fans were thrilled to learn that the album would also feature Chike and OdumoduBlvck, who joined him on the track ‘Funds.’ YG Marley, who already made an appearance on the previously released single ‘Awuke,’ will also have a spot on the album, further solidifying the album’s status as a star-studded affair.
In what promises to be an exciting fusion of sounds, ‘Five’ is also set to feature collaborations with Adekunle Gold and Omah Lay. Omah Lay, in an interview, described the track as a “perfect partnership,” hinting at the synergy between himself and Davido.
To give fans a taste of what to expect, Davido recently participated in a Twitch live stream with Nigerian alternative music star and content creator Cruel Santino. During the session, he previewed two songs from the album, one of which was produced by his long-time collaborator Shizzi.
The award-winning producer, known for crafting some of Davido’s biggest hits—including his breakout anthem ‘Dami Duro’—has once again played a key role in shaping the sound of the album. “Shizzi and I have been making music for over a decade,” Davido said during the stream. “It’s always magic when we get in the studio together.”
The album’s title, ‘Five,’ carries a special significance for the singer. Speaking on the inspiration behind the name, Davido explained, “This is my fifth studio album, and five has always been a lucky number for me. It represents growth, balance, and a new chapter in my career.”
He also disclosed that the album includes a track produced by veteran hitmaker Selebobo, who has been instrumental in crafting several chart-topping Nigerian hits over the years. Initially, ‘Five’ was slated for release on March 15, 2025, but in a recent update, the release date was pushed back to April 18.
Despite the delay, fans remain eager, especially with the teasers and snippets that Davido has been sharing. The decision to delay the album, he explained, was to ensure that every song reaches its full potential. “I want this album to be perfect,” he said. “We’re taking our time to make sure everything sounds just right.”
Beyond his album, 2025 has already shaped up to be a landmark year for Davido. He secured his fifth Grammy nomination at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, earning a nod for Best African Song Performance for his contribution to Chris Brown’s ‘Sensational.’
The recognition cements his position as a dominant force in the global music industry. In addition to his Grammy success, Davido has also been nominated in five categories at the upcoming 17th edition of The Headies, including the coveted Artist of the Year award. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “Every nomination, every award is a win for me, my team, and the entire Afrobeats movement. We’ve worked hard to put our sound on the global stage, and I’m just grateful for the love.”
With a historic magazine cover, a highly anticipated album, and multiple award nominations, Davido continues to set the bar high for African artists on the world stage.
