Afrobeats sensation Davido has made a triumphant return to the music scene with the release of his sixth studio album, Oriadé, on July 31. This latest offering marks a significant chapter in the artist’s illustrious career, which spans over 15 years, and further consolidates his status as a pioneer of Afrobeats on the global stage.
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The title Oriadé, which translates to “the head that wears the crown” in Yoruba, encapsulates the essence of Davido’s artistic journey and his evolving identity as a musician. At just 33, the Atlanta-born Nigerian artist has already secured five Grammy nominations, performed in sold-out arenas worldwide, and achieved numerous chart-topping hits, including “With You” featuring Omah Lay from his previous album, 5ive. With this new release, Davido unequivocally declares that he is in his “king era.”
In an exclusive interview, Davido elaborated on the inspiration behind Oriadé. He expressed a desire to reconnect with the roots of African music, stating, “If you listen to the album, I made it really African.” He believes that in the quest for international validation, some artists risk losing their cultural authenticity. “I wanted us to get back to the original music that we were making when the Western world came to find us,” he explained, highlighting the importance of maintaining a connection to his heritage.
The album features an eclectic mix of collaborations with artists from various countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Mali, and the United States. The lead single, “I Know Who I Be,” includes contributions from South African musicians Jazzwrld and GL_Ceejay. Additionally, listeners can expect to hear from Ghana’s Black Sherif, Mali’s Aya Nakamura, and Brooklyn’s Leon Thomas throughout the 13-track collection.
Davido described his creative process as fluid, emphasising that successful collaborations often arise spontaneously. “Music and collaborations shouldn’t be complicated,” he remarked, outlining his belief that the best music often happens naturally. The collaborative track with Leon Thomas, which came together within just two days, exemplifies this approach. Their initial connection was not about music but rather shared religious beliefs, as both are Seventh-day Adventists.
Additionally, Davido is committed to elevating emerging talent within the African music scene. His album features an artist named Llona, who, according to Davido, should be a household name internationally. “He’s huge in Africa, huge in Nigeria, but a lot of people overseas don’t know him,” he noted, expressing his enthusiasm for introducing new artists to a broader audience.
Nevertheless, Davido’s journey has not been without its challenges. He candidly reflected on his experiences with public criticism and the highs and lows that come with fame. Despite facing backlash during the early stages of his career, he has learned to cope with the scrutiny that follows being in the limelight. “I’ve grown to ignore a lot of stuff,” he stated, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining resilience but highlighting the importance of personal growth.
As he prepares for the next phase with Oriadé, Davido conveys confidence and authenticity. When asked what he hopes listeners will take away from the album, he replied candidly, “That I’m very good, and that I’m the s—.” His unapologetic pride reflects a steadfast commitment to his artistry and cultural heritage.
Oriadé is now available across all streaming platforms, ready for fans to dive into the rich sounds and stories Davido has to share. With this release, he not only celebrates his musical achievements but also reinforces his mission to promote African music on a global scale. As he continues to wear his crown, Davido stands poised to inspire the next generation of artists and fans alike.