DjMondo Take On Davido's 5IVE Album Review (Rated 8.5/10)
As an artist and DJ in the Afrobeat scene, I’ve followed Davido’s journey for years—from Dami Duro to Timeless—but his latest drop, 5IVE, hit me differently. Released on April 18, 2025, this album is more than just bangers—it’s growth, grief, celebration, and global ambition all rolled into 17 tracks. Here's my personal review as DjMondo.
The Vibe: Global Yet Rooted
What struck me first was how 5IVE sounds both international and deeply Nigerian. The fusion of Afrobeats with amapiano, R&B, and even Latin pop gives the album a universal appeal. But Davido stays grounded in his identity, delivering in Yoruba, Pidgin, and that unmistakable OBO energy.
Do you like Davido's 5IVE Album
Yes i do because Davido's 5IVE album feels like a powerful blend of energy, emotion, and evolution. He stayed true to his Afrobeats roots while experimenting with new sounds—especially on tracks like CFMF and Awuke.
What stood out for me:
- His vocal delivery is more refined than ever.
- The collabs were strategic and fresh—Chris Brown and Victoria Monét added some nice cross-genre sauce.
- He touched on real themes: family, love, resilience, and that post-tragedy bounce back, which added a deeper layer to the project.
If I had to nitpick, the middle of the album dragged a bit, but overall? Solid project.
Here is another reason why I rated Davido’s 5IVE album 8.5/10 because it feels like a true evolution of who he is—not just as an artist, but as a person. Here’s why it hits different:
1. Growth & Vulnerability
Davido opened up more emotionally, especially after all he’s been through. Songs like “Flex My Soul” (if you caught that one) show him reflecting instead of just partying. It adds depth to his usual high-energy style.
2. Sound Diversity
He didn’t stick to the same formula. You hear Afrobeats, R&B, Amapiano, even a touch of Latin vibes with Becky G. It proves he’s not afraid to push the envelope while still sounding like Davido.
3. Global but Nigerian
He collaborated with international stars, but still kept it rooted in his culture. That balance makes the album feel both global and homegrown.
4. Replay Value
Songs like “Awuke” or “Never Let Go” are not just catchy—they stick with you emotionally or rhythmically. It’s one of those albums you can vibe to at a party or during a chill solo drive.
It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely one of his more intentional projects. What made you check out the album—or are you thinking about writing on it?
Top Tracks on Repeat (DjMondo’s Picks)
"CFMF (Can’t Feel My Face)" – A moody opener with heavy bass and lyrics about emotional numbness. Feels like the calm before the storm.
"Awuke" – This one’s a heater. Amapiano bounce meets raw emotion. Definitely going into my club sets.
"Flex My Soul" – A personal fave. Davido pours out his pain and passion here. It’s a vulnerable anthem.
"No Borders" feat. Becky G – Unexpected combo, but it works. Afro-Latin vibes for the summer.
The Message Behind the Music
After everything Davido has faced—the loss of his son, becoming a father again to twins—you can hear the emotional layers in this album. He’s no longer just the guy with party hits. 5IVE shows a man who’s been through it and come out stronger.
There’s a recurring theme of reflection, resilience, and reignition. As an artist myself, I respect that deeply.
Production & Collaborations
Producers like KDDO, Pheelz, and London brought fire. And the features? Clean. From Omah Lay to Chris Brown, everyone brought their A-game without stealing the spotlight.
It’s well-mixed too—clean vocals, layered drums, and space to breathe. This isn’t just a club album, it’s a headphones album too.
Fan Buzz & Reception
Social media’s already loving it. My inbox has been full of people asking for 5IVE-inspired mixes, and I’ve seen fans across Lagos and London vibing to it heavy.
Final Thoughts from DjMondo
5IVE isn’t just another Davido album—it’s a statement. It’s him saying: "I’ve grown, I’ve hurt, I’ve healed—and I’m still OBO." As a DJ and Afrobeat creator myself, I can say this project is one of Davido’s most complete yet.
Rating: 8.5/10
Best For: Fans of real Afrobeat with a global twist, emotional depth, and smooth club transitions.
Have you listened to 5IVE yet? What’s your favorite track? Drop a comment below and let’s talk music!