While Afrobeats currently dominates global music charts, Nigerian superstar Davido vividly recalls a time not so long ago when music from the African continent struggled for international recognition. He remembers a prevailing perception that Africa was solely defined by poverty and "primitive lands," a stark contrast to the vibrant cultural powerhouse it is now celebrated as.

"I remember when Africans used to lie that they were Jamaicans," Davido chuckled in a recent interview with the Associated Press. Born in Atlanta but raised between the United States and Nigeria, the "Fall" singer has witnessed firsthand the dramatic shift in global perception. "The narrative has immensely changed. And thanks to the people who are behind this, because it’s not governments… it’s the innovators. The musicians. The entertainers. The lawyers. The doctors in America, pushing the narrative of being African."

Davido, a Grammy-nominated artist with multiple songs boasting over 100 million streams on Spotify, is widely recognized as a pivotal figure in the global explosion of Afrobeats. He is now gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated new album, "5ive," on Friday. Following the success of his 2023 project, "Timeless," this 17-track offering showcases an international flair, featuring collaborations with Grammy winners Chris Brown and Victoria Monét, alongside Becky G and Afrobeats heavyweights Omah Lay and Victony. The meticulous process of curating the album involved sifting through an initial pool of 80 songs, with Davido even enlisting the opinions of family and friends through a ranking system.

Beyond his musical endeavors, Davido has navigated profound personal challenges. The heartbreaking loss of his three-year-old son in a drowning accident in 2022 has instilled in the 32-year-old a renewed perspective on life. "My life was going so fast… now, things are clearer," he shared, reflecting on the tragedy. Now a father of five living children, including twins born after the loss, Davido emphasizes the paramount importance of family and supportive relationships. "After the crazy loss we had, God gave us twins: a boy and a girl. So, life is just different now — the importance of family and good people around you. I feel like the energy is very, very important, and I feel like that energy is what I used to record this album."

In an insightful conversation with the Associated Press, Davido delved into the sustained popularity of Afrobeats, the importance of unity within the genre, and finding inspiration amidst grief.

The Significance of "5ive"

When asked about the album's title, Davido explained its dual meaning. "It’s my fifth album. But after I called it '5ive,' I went to go and do more research on the number five and what it entails, which is a symbol of hope, grace, change, growth." This deeper understanding of the number resonates with his personal journey and the evolution of his music.

Ensuring Afrobeats' Longevity

Addressing concerns about Afrobeats being perceived as a fleeting trend, Davido stressed the importance of maintaining a strong connection to its roots. "Not over-loving the conception of Western validation… one song blows up, two songs blow up — only two songs — and they are running to America to do a tour. What happened to Ibado? What happened to the other places in Nigeria?" He passionately argued, "The most important thing that will make us last longer is if we don’t forget where we came from." This emphasis on local support and cultural authenticity is crucial for the genre's sustained global impact.

The Call for Unity Among Male Afrobeats Artists

Davido also touched upon the dynamic within the male Afrobeats scene, acknowledging past friction between some of its biggest stars, including himself, Burna Boy, and Wizkid. While the women in the genre have often displayed a strong sense of unity, the men have faced challenges. However, Davido expressed optimism for the future. "Recently, the conversation has been had… when I see Bad Bunny working with Peso (Pluma), and Peso working with Farruko, I’m like, yo, there’s so much unity." He envisioned the potential of a collaborative future, stating, "Imagine if all of us came together and busted out a tour?… We’re older now, we are more mature, so I feel like maybe in the greatest future, you might see that happen."

Embracing Global Adoption While Staying True to Roots

Regarding the increasing number of non-African artists embracing the Afrobeats sound, Davido offered a playful yet firm perspective. "They can’t do it better than us!" he laughed. "I say this to Chris (Brown) every time we play around, I’m like, 'Chris, I can’t sing R&B like you, but never in your life can you sing Afrobeats like me!'" While acknowledging the authenticity of the genre lies with its originators, he expressed openness to collaboration, emphasizing the importance of proper credit and involving African producers.

Music as a Constant Amidst Personal Loss

Finally, Davido reflected on whether his approach to music-making has changed since the loss of his son. He affirmed that his artistic focus remains unwavering. "Music-wise, I don’t think it changed a bit because when I get to my artist mode, nothing distracts me… When I dropped the 'Timeless' album and everything went crazy — like, the most streamed album in the [first] week in Africa ever — we celebrated the album with the people that were with us when we were in trying times." He found strength and solace in sharing that success with his inner circle. Ultimately, Davido hopes his journey serves as an inspiration. "I just want people to just look at my story and know that you can overcome anything." His resilience and dedication to his craft continue to solidify his position as a leading voice in the global rise of Afrobeats.