Nigerian superstar Davido has released a new album titled “Oriadé,” arriving shortly after his previous full-length project “5ive.” The 13-track collection features guest appearances from Black Sherif, Mayorkun, FOLA, Leon Thomas, Aya, and Llona, with production contributions from Pheelz on the song “Constantly.”
Tracklist and Featured Artists
- On The Road
- Amazing Grace (feat. Black Sherif)
- Julie
- Constantly (prod. Pheelz)
- I Know Who I Be
- Gimme Dat Ting
- B4 B4 (feat. Mayorkun & FOLA)
- Already Falling
- Tell Everybody (feat. Leon Thomas)
- Yaya (feat. Aya)
- Zanzibar
- Guide
- My Light (feat. Llona)
Musical Direction and Themes
The album’s title and cover art point toward a deliberate emphasis on African percussion and roots, marking a shift from the Amapiano-fusion approach of Davido’s two prior LPs. Opening track “On The Road” underscores his work ethic and drive, while “Amazing Grace” weaves a xylophone melody reminiscent of wedding bells around a confession of personal transformation. “Julie” is an uptempo Afropop cut built on rhythmic guitar strings.
“Constantly,” produced by Pheelz, carries the producer’s signature touch in its chorus cadence and closing electric guitar. “I Know Who I Be” moves from quiet stretches to a crescendo, and “Gimme Dat Ting” pushes into Afro-house territory with dramatic shakers. “B4 B4” pairs Mayorkun and FOLA in a call-and-response style, with Davido adding a verse that reinforces a traditional relationship dynamic.
“Already Falling” channels a gleeful, intoxicating energy over exhilarating percussion, while “Tell Everybody” begins as a mid-tempo R&B fusion before bursting into log drums and full pop in the chorus. Leon Thomas contributes a verse describing his partner as his “sanity.” “Yaya” opens with highlife-style synths, and “Zanzibar” uses the location’s meaning, “land of the blacks,” as an allegory for a safe haven. The album closes with “Guide” and the solemn “My Light,” which features Llona and incorporates a bashment twist.
