Davido’s fifth studio album 5ive, released on April 18, 2025, closed out the year as one of the most streamed Nigerian projects on Spotify in 2025.
While official Spotify Wrapped data places Morayo by Wizkid as the #1 most-streamed album in Nigeria for the year, 5ive consistently remained in the top tier of streaming performance across the platform throughout 2025; driven by massive numbers for both the album and its standout tracks.
The album’s popularity was fuelled by hits such as “With You” (feat. Omah Lay), one of the year’s most shared and replayed songs which alone crossed tens of millions of Spotify streams and helped 5ive rack up a major cumulative streaming total.
Here’s the official track list for Davido’s 5ive (17‑track album released April 18, 2025):
Nigerian content creator Carter Efe has made history on Twitch after hosting Afrobeats superstar Davido on a livestream that reportedly pulled in record-breaking numbers across Africa.
The livestream, which aired earlier this week, quickly went viral on social media after reports confirmed that it attracted over 70,000 to 80,000 concurrent live viewers, a figure widely described as the highest ever recorded for a Twitch stream by an African creator.
While Twitch has not released an official continental ranking, multiple entertainment and tech platforms have cited the stream as a new benchmark for African livestreaming.
Carter Efe, known for his comedic skits and music releases, has been steadily building a presence on Twitch in 2025. However, the appearance of Davido; one of Africa’s biggest music exports, pushed his channel to an entirely new level.
According to reports, the livestream:
Peaked at 70,000–80,000+ concurrent viewers (reported estimates)
Triggered a massive surge in followers, pushing Carter Efe’s Twitch account past 400,000 followers
Became one of the most talked-about African digital events of the year
The stream featured free-flowing conversations, music discussions, jokes, and spontaneous moments that resonated strongly with fans across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Davido’s Influence and a Live Brand Moment
One of the most talked-about moments from the livestream was Davido’s real-time involvement in Carter Efe’s brand growth. During the session, Davido openly encouraged brand partnerships for the streamer, a move that highlighted how celebrity influence can translate instantly into digital value. He sent a direct message on the live stream to the CEO of Twitch urging him to increase the deal of the streamer and also called Martell for a possible ambassadorial deal for him.
While the exact numbers may vary across reports, one thing is clear:
Carter Efe’s Twitch livestream with Davido has changed the conversation around African livestreaming.
It shows that African creators can:
Pull global-level numbers
Attract mainstream celebrities
Turn livestreams into career-defining moments
As Twitch adoption continues to grow across the continent, this moment may be remembered as the stream that reset the bar.
Lagos witnessed a historic moment as Nigerian music superstars Davido and Wizkid both performed at the GTCO End-of-Year Party. The event, held in Lagos, became one of the biggest highlights of the 2025 Detty December celebrations and drew massive attention from fans, media, and social platforms.
The GTCO End-of-Year Party is an annual corporate event organized by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) to celebrate the end of the year with customers, partners, and staff. Over the years, the event has grown into a major entertainment gathering, often featuring top Nigerian artists. However, this year’s edition stood out due to the presence of both Davido and Wizkid on the same stage.
The event took place in Lagos and attracted a large audience made up of music lovers, influencers, business leaders, and celebrities. Excitement was already high before the performances began, but it reached a new level when Wizkid and Davido both appeared.
Wizkid delivered a powerful performance, thrilling fans with some of his biggest hits. The crowd sang along as he performed with confidence and energy. His appearance officially signaled the start of Detty December, a period known for concerts, parties, and entertainment across Lagos.
Later in the night, Davido also took the stage and gave an equally energetic performance. Known for his strong stage presence, Davido performed several of his popular songs, keeping the audience fully engaged. Fans responded with loud cheers and excitement throughout his set.
What made the GTCO End-of-Year Party special was the fact that Davido and Wizkid both performed at the same event. The two artists are often seen as rivals by fans, even though both have contributed greatly to the global growth of Afrobeats. Seeing them perform at the same corporate event surprised many people and quickly became a trending topic online.
Videos from the event spread rapidly on social media platforms, with fans praising GTCO for bringing both stars together. Many described the moment as historic and a positive sign for the Nigerian music industry.
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 nominations are out, and the competition is fiercer than ever. With 343 nominees across 40 categories, this year’s edition highlights Africa’s biggest icons, rising talents, and diaspora voices shaping global music culture.
AFRIMA 2025 made history with 10,717 entries, the highest in its 12-year existence. After a rigorous 10-day screening by a 13-member international jury, the final nominees list was unveiled, representing all five African regions and the diaspora. The award ceremony will run from November 25 to 30, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria, culminating in the main event on November 30. Fans will also have their say when public voting opens on September 10 via the official AFRIMA website.
Artists with the Most Nominations
Five Nominations Each
Burna Boy (Nigeria) – Album of the Year (No Sign of Weakness), Song of the Year, Artiste of the Year
Davido (Nigeria) – Album of the Year (5ive), Best Collaboration, Song of the Year
DJ Maphorisa (South Africa) – Key nods in production and collaboration categories
El Grande Toto (Morocco) – Album of the Year (Salgoat), Best Male Artist North Africa
Mia Guissé (Senegal)
Moliy (Ghana) – Leading the female Afropop charge
Four Nominations
Shallipopi (Nigeria) – Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for “Laho”
Amr Diab (Egypt)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Tyla (South Africa) – Riding global fame with Amapiano fusion
Uncle Waffles (Eswatini) – Reinforcing female dominance in the DJ scene
Three Nominations
Ipupa (DRC)
Ferre Gola (DRC)
Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
Eboloko (Gabon)
Emma’a (Gabon)
Jaylann (Morocco)
Juma Jux (Tanzania) – Song of the Year for “Ololufe mi”
Mawhoo (South Africa)
Nasty C (South Africa)
Rema (Nigeria) – Also contending for Artiste of the Year
Two Nominations
Ayra Starr (Nigeria) – Facing Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema in the Artiste of the Year category
Male: DJ Snake, Niska, Tayc, Tiakola, Odeal Female: Aya Nakamura, Darkoo, Deborah Lukalu, Faouzia, Ronisia
The 2025 AFRIMA nominations prove once again that African music is not just thriving, it’s leading global soundscapes. With icons like Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema battling it out alongside rising stars like Shallipopi, Moliy, and Ayra Starr, this year’s awards promise unforgettable moments. As voting begins on September 10, fans will play a crucial role in deciding who takes home Africa’s biggest music honors.
Billboard has officially released its list of the 50 greatest Afrobeats songs of all time, highlighting some of the most iconic and groundbreaking tracks that have shaped the genre. Afrobeats, which has its roots in Nigeria and Ghana, has now become a global sound influencing artists worldwide. The list features a mix of legendary classics and recent international smashes that propelled the genre beyond Africa.
Spotlight on the Top 10 Afrobeats Songs of All Time
1. African Queen – 2Face Idibia (2004) This timeless love ballad remains one of the most iconic songs in African music. 2Face’s “African Queen” put Nigerian music on the global map and is celebrated as a masterpiece that helped pave the way for Afrobeats’ worldwide success.
2. Ojuelegba – Wizkid (2014) Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” tells the story of struggle and triumph, capturing the spirit of Lagos. The remix featuring Drake and Skepta further expanded its global reach, solidifying Wizkid as one of the biggest Afrobeats stars.
3. Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) – Flavour (2005) Flavour’s highlife-infused anthem became a cultural staple, known for its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics. It cemented Flavour’s place as a household name in African music.
4. Calm Down – Rema (2022) Rema’s “Calm Down” took the world by storm, especially with the Selena Gomez remix. It became one of the most streamed Afrobeats songs globally, highlighting the new wave of Nigerian artists pushing Afrobeats into the mainstream.
5. Essence – Wizkid ft. Tems (2021) Dubbed the “song of the summer,” “Essence” is the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems’ soulful delivery and Wizkid’s smooth style created a masterpiece that captured hearts worldwide.
6. Love Nwantiti – CKay (2019)Initially a slow-burn hit, “Love Nwantiti” exploded through TikTok, becoming one of the most remixed and viral Afrobeats songs of all time. It solidified CKay’s place in the global music scene.
7. Oliver Twist – D’banj (2012) A song that marked Afrobeats’ breakthrough into the UK charts, D’banj’s “Oliver Twist” was a game-changer. It proved Afrobeats could thrive on the international stage.
8. Fall – Davido (2017) “Fall” became one of the longest-charting Nigerian pop songs on Billboard. Its fusion of Afrobeats and international pop influences helped Davido gain worldwide recognition.
9. Ye – Burna Boy (2018) “Ye” is widely regarded as Burna Boy’s breakthrough international hit. With its catchy hook and relatable themes, it became an anthem that transcended borders and genres.
10. Chop My Money (Remix) – P-Square ft. Akon (2012) This collaboration between Nigerian duo P-Square and Akon showcased Afrobeats’ crossover appeal. The track gained massive popularity and became a fan favorite across Africa and beyond.
Full Ranking: Positions 11–50 (with Release Dates)
11
Olufunmi
Styl-Plus
2003
12
Gongo Aso
9ice
2008
13
Do Me
P-Square
2007
14
Dami Duro
Davido
2011
15
Johnny
Yemi Alade
2013
16
Fall in Love
D’banj
2008
17
Bumper to Bumper
Wande Coal
2008
18
Adonai
Sarkodie ft. Castro
2014
19
Azonto
Fuse ODG ft. Itz Tiffany
2012
20
Fada Fada
Phyno ft. Olamide
2016
21
Eminado
Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy
2013
22
Last Last
Burna Boy
2022
23
Bobo
Olamide
2015
24
Drogba (Joanna)
Afro B
2018
25
Pakurumo
Wizkid
2011
26
Skin Tight
Mr Eazi ft. Efya
2015
27
Iskaba
Wande Coal & DJ Tunez
2016
28
Peru
Fireboy DML
2021
29
Sad Girlz Luv Money
Amaarae & Moliy
2020
30
Killin Dem
Burna Boy & Zlatan
2018
31
Rush
Ayra Starr
2022
32
Dorobucci
Mavins
2014
33
Mad Over You
Runtown
2016
34
Personally
P-Square
2013
35
Pana
Tekno
2016
36
Kontrol
Maleek Berry
2016
37
Ku Lo Sa
Oxlade
2022
38
Monalisa
Lojay & Sarz
2021
39
Shake Body
Skales
2014
40
UNAVAILABLE
Davido ft. Musa Keys
2023
41
Peace Be Unto You
Asake
2022
42
People
Libianca
2022
43
Buga
Kizz Daniel & Tekno
2022
44
Oleku
Ice Prince ft. Brymo
2010
45
Yahooze
Olu Maintain
2007
46
Soweto
Victony & Tempoe
2022
47
Raise Da Roof
Jazzman Olofin & Adewale Ayuba
2004
48
Dem Mama
Timaya
2005
49
Tonight
Nonso Amadi
2016
50
Ijoya
Weird MC
Billboard’s list of the 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time is more than a ranking—it’s a history of Afrobeats itself. From 2Face Idibia’s classic African Queen to Rema’s global smash Calm Down, it captures how a genre rooted in African rhythms has become a universal language.
The diversity of the list, spanning pioneers like Weird MC and contemporary stars like Ayra Starr and Asake, proves that Afrobeats is not only here to stay but also destined to keep evolving as one of the world’s dominant genres.
Personally I will make some few changes to this List. Will you? Drop a comment
KANTE is the name of the 10th track on Davido’s fourth studio album, Timeless.
The album was released in March 2023, and the video for the track was released on May 8, 2024.
Davido demonstrated alongside Fave, showcasing their musical talents.
See the video:
See Lyrics:
Hey, the way you hold my waist I like as e dey go (big dutty girl) Can’t dance to save myself but see as I dey roll, oh-na Guilty pleasures, I take part in those (I take part in those) Disconnect the internet, ’cause I’m (’cause I’m) Feeling intellectual, hm
And I can tell you’re feeling the pressure (I can tell you’re feeling the pressure) And I can tell you’re feeling the tension (I can tell you’re feeling the tension) You move your lеgs like this and that It can drive away depression (can drive away depression) Like Kante, your skill is precious (like Kante, your skill is precious) You can change the whole direction (you can change the whole direction) You move your legs like this and that It can drive away depression
Hold my waist Hold my waist Hold my waist I like as e dey go Baby, I like as e dey go, ay
Hold my waist Hold my waist Hold my waist I like as e dey go Baby, I like as e dey go, ay
Make your body come gum my body, make I cool my tension (tension) Omoge, me, I no fit lie, your body dey call my attention Big waist, fine face, I no go lie for you I don gbess for you, omoge, I don gbess for you (I don gbess for you)
Follow me, make we chop life for Dubai Anything you want, girl, I go buy You dey put me for high tension, omo This one na my confession, omo We go do holiday for Mumbai (ayy-ayy) Anything you want, girl, I go buy You dey put me for high tension, omo This one na my confession, omo
Omo, you gat me like, high up in the cloud I wanna love you for life I no go like to say good bye Na you dey ease my disease When the tention’s way too high You know the buttons to press to ease up my stress (stress) I cannot compare you (I no fit compare you)
And I can tell you’re feeling the pressure (I can tell you’re feeling the pressure) And I can tell you’re feeling the tension (I can tell you’re feeling the tension) You move your lеgs like this and that It can drive away depression (can drive away depression) Like Kante, your skill is precious (like Kante, your skill is precious) You can change the whole direction (you can change the whole direction) You move your legs like this and that It can drive away depression
Hold my waist Hold my waist Hold my waist I like as e dey go Baby, I like as e dey go, ay
Hold my waist Hold my waist Hold my waist I like as e dey go Baby, I like as e dey go, ay
Moments after an American stylist posted a cosy picture of herself and Davido, Anita Brown took to social media to explain the stylist’s situation. She said not everyone in America knows Davido is married. She elaborated by stating that Davido wasn’t widely recognized until the release of his latest album or until he was involved in a new controversy.
“Y’all Gotta Stop Acting Like Everybody Knows That Man Is Married. It’s So Many People In America Never Heard Of Him Until His Recent Album Or Because Of Drama. He Don’t Even Post His Wife. Celebs Like Clout, Why That Man Never Post His Wedding & His New Babies Or Post His Wife Enough For It To Be KNOWN. Y’all Gotta Stop Coming For These Females, It’s Getting Old. Put Some More Emphasis On YOUR WIFE, That’s What Real Respectable Husbands Do.“
Anita Brown via Threads (ninatheelite)
The Controversy
An American influencer/stylist who goes by Gorgeous Doll posted a picture of Davido and herself but instead drew backlash from netizens. To clarify, she explained that she’s just friends with Davido.
On her TikTok account on April 15, she explained the nature of her relationship with Davido:
“I did not know that this man was married. Anytime I was around Davido, it was for one or two things okay? It was either because I was styling him for an event because that’s what I do, whether it’s athletes or rappers. Another thing I would do is help him with bookings when he comes into Atlanta. I would call the club owners and tell them ‘Hey Davido is in town, do y’all want to book him?
At this point, I had never seen a wife, only baby mamas and I knew he had multiple baby mamas. I didn’t care because it wasn’t my business to ask and I never thought to ask ‘Are you married.“
