By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido,
Nigerian Music Star has released his sixth studio album, ORIADÉ, on Friday. The project arrives as he celebrates 15 years since his breakout hit “Dami Duro” in 2012.
The Afrobeats star, who is a five-time Grammy nominee, announced the album on June 29 with a regal trailer and the message: “The kingdom expands. Chosen long before the throne.”
ORIADÉ blends two Yoruba words — “ori” meaning destiny or head, and “adé” meaning crown. Davido said the 13-track album captured his journey of purpose, gratitude, and self-discovery.
“‘ORIADÉ’ is about embracing who you are and what you’re called to do. It’s the most honest I’ve ever been,” he said. He called this phase of his career his “crown era.”
Highlights of the album: 13 tracks fewer than his previous 17-track projects, which he says are all “bangers”
Lead single: “I Know Who I Be” ft. South African acts JAZZWRLD and GL Ceejay, released June 26
Features: Ghana’s Black Sherif, Mali’s Aya Nakamura, and U.S. singer Leon Thomas
Themes: love, struggle, faith, brotherhood, and Nigerian excellence
The album follows his 2025 LP 5IVE, which earned a Grammy nomination for “With You” with Omah Lay. Davido toured the world on the sold-out 5ive Alive Tour and made his Coachella debut last year.
In 2026, he also featured on the FIFA World Cup soundtrack with “No Place Like Home” alongside Major Lazer and Nelly Furtado.
Since debuting in 2012, Davido has released A Good Time (2019), A Better Time (2020), Timeless (2023), and 5IVE (2025). He is also the founder of DMW Records.
