Afrobeats heavyweight Davido has opened up about the powerful impact his absence had on the Nigerian music scene, revealing that even critics were calling for his return.
In a recent sit-down on The Ebro Show on Apple Music, the award-winning superstar reflected on the hiatus he took following the devastating personal tragedy he endured in 2022. According to Davido, his break from music wasn’t just felt, it was seismic.
“I was seeing tweets like, ‘Damn, it’s so quiet out here. David, please come back.’ Even people who didn’t like me were like, ‘Please come back, we need to diss you,’” he told host Ebro Darden with a laugh.
That hiatus would eventually lead to a triumphant comeback with ‘Timeless,’ his Grammy-nominated fourth studio album, featuring smash hits like “Unavailable” and “Feel.” The album not only dominated charts but also reaffirmed Davido’s position as a pillar of Afrobeats worldwide.
His first major public appearance after the break was his emotional performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a symbolic return that reminded fans just how deeply his presence is felt on and off the stage.
Now, as part of the rollout for his fifth studio album ‘5IVE’, released April 18, 2025, Davido is back in full force. The album boasts 17 tracks and features a global roster of artists including Victoria Monét, Shenseea, Dadju, and Tayc.
He’s also making history once again, recently becoming the first artist to secure No. 1 singles on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 100 chart for six consecutive years, thanks to his new hit “With You” featuring Omah Lay.
To bring the new music directly to fans, Davido is preparing to hit the road on his ‘5 Alive’ tour, which includes 13 dates across key cities. One of the most anticipated stops is a massive show at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the UK, where he’ll share the stage with none other than 50 Cent and Mary J. Blige.
From personal loss to global acclaim, Davido’s journey continues to inspire, and if his recent comments are any indication, his presence isn’t just wanted in the industry; it’s needed.
You can catch Davido’s full interview on The Ebro Show on Apple Music.
