Davido’s 5ive Soars to #1 on Apple Music in 19 Countries, Charting in 87 Globally

Afrobeats superstar David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has once again proven his global dominance with the release of his fifth studio album, 5ive. Dropped on April 18, 2025, the 17-track project has taken the music world by storm, reaching the #1 spot on Apple Music’s Top Albums chart in 19 countries and charting in an impressive 87 countries worldwide within hours of its release. This monumental achievement underscores Davido’s enduring influence and the growing global reach of Afrobeats.

A Global Triumph

According to reports circulating on social media platforms like X, 5ive has claimed the top spot in the following 19 countries: Benin, Cameroon, Gambia, Ireland, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Zambia. While official Apple Music chart data is not publicly accessible in real-time, posts on X and music industry sources have celebrated the album’s rapid rise, with one post noting that 5ive hit #1 in Nigeria and the UK, among others, shortly after its release.

The album’s performance extends far beyond these 19 countries, with 5ive reportedly charting in 87 nations, a testament to Davido’s ability to connect with diverse audiences. This global footprint mirrors the success of his previous album, Timeless (2023), which topped Apple Music charts in 17 countries and became the first African album to reach #1 on the US iTunes chart.

5ive: A Celebration of Longevity and African Music

Davido describes 5ive as a “victory lap” not only for his own career but for the entire African music scene. In an interview with Apple Music, he reflected on the journey of Afrobeats and its rise to global prominence. “This is definitely about celebrating the longevity and how far we’ve come,” he said. “Afrobeats is in an amazing place. Everybody’s doing well, all the way from South Africa to Ghana to Nigeria. For us to have risen and taken this culture and the music to such heights—we have our own categories at the Grammys, at the Billboard Awards; we have our own festivals selling out more than the festivals in America.”

The album, which runs for 49 minutes across 17 tracks, blends Afrobeats with elements of Amapiano, Dancehall, and reggae, showcasing Davido’s versatility and collaborative spirit. Notable features include YG Marley (Bob Marley’s grandson) on the reggae-infused “Awuke,” ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike on the Amapiano-flavored “Funds,” and Omah Lay on the soulful “With You.” The track “Funds” samples South African legend Brenda Fassie’s 1997 classic “Vuli Ndlela,” adding a nostalgic yet fresh layer to the project.

The album opens with an overture featuring Nigerian poet Alhanislam, whose words—“Five is freedom, unbound by borders/Rising by lifting others/The artist, the father; the man walking two worlds”—set the tone for a project that balances personal introspection with universal themes of hustle, love, and triumph.

Building Anticipation

The road to 5ive was paved with strategic single releases that heightened fan excitement. “Awuke” introduced a reggae-Afrobeats fusion, while “Funds,” released on December 6, 2024, became a fan favorite for its infectious energy. The third single, “Be There Still,” claimed the #1 spot on Nigeria’s Apple Music Top Songs chart in March 2025, further signaling the album’s potential. Remarkably, 5ive itself reached #1 on Nigeria’s Apple Music Top Albums chart before its official release, driven by strong pre-orders and streaming traction.

This pre-release success is a rare feat, with Davido joining Mayorkun as one of the only Nigerian artists to top Nigeria’s Apple Music albums chart with an unreleased project. Industry observers attribute this to Davido’s loyal fanbase, his savvy use of social media, and the global appetite for Afrobeats.

Mixed Reception Amid High Praise

While 5ive has been a commercial juggernaut, it has not been without critique. Some fans and critics have expressed mixed feelings about the album’s depth. One X user rated it 3/10, praising the beats but arguing that the songs lack substance, calling it one of Davido’s “weakest efforts.” However, this sentiment is overshadowed by widespread acclaim, with fans on X and music platforms celebrating tracks like “With You” and “Funds” as standout hits. Davido himself has called “With You,” his collaboration with Omah Lay, one of his top three tracks on the album, citing its emotional resonance and potential to become a global hit.

A Legacy of Breaking Barriers

Davido’s chart dominance with 5ive is the latest chapter in a career defined by breaking records. Since bursting onto the scene in 2011, he has consistently pushed Afrobeats to new heights. His 2017 single “Fall” became the first African song to earn gold certification in the US and Canada, and in 2018, he became the first African artist to win Best International Act at the BET Awards on the main stage. His 2023 album Timeless set a high bar, debuting all 17 tracks in the UK Apple Music Top 100 and earning critical acclaim.

With 5ive, Davido continues to bridge cultures, blending Nigerian sounds with global influences and collaborating with artists from across the diaspora. His ability to chart in diverse markets like Ireland, the UK, and the UAE reflects the borderless appeal of Afrobeats and his personal brand as an artist who “rises by lifting others.”

What’s Next?

As 5ive continues to dominate charts, fans and industry watchers are eager to see how the album performs in the coming weeks. With Afrobeats now a mainstay at global award shows and festivals, 5ive is poised to further elevate the genre’s profile. Davido’s announcement of the album on X, where he thanked fans for their “unwavering support” and encouraged them to “do anything you put your mind towards,” has resonated widely, inspiring a new wave of listeners to engage with the project.

For the most accurate and up-to-date chart positions, fans can check platforms like kworb.net or Apple Music’s official charts, as positions can fluctuate rapidly. For now, 5ive stands as a testament to Davido’s staying power and the unstoppable rise of African music on the world stage.