Afrobeats superstar Davido continues his unstoppable run with the release of Be There Still, the third single from his upcoming album, 5ive. The track, a tribute to his longtime fans, blends Davido’s signature sound with an anthemic, chant-like rhythm. Co-produced by South African hitmaker DJ Maphorisa, the song delivers a powerful mix of rattling shakers, scattered log drumming, and deep bass synths, underscoring Davido’s perseverance and journey in the music industry.
“This one is for my Day 1s,” Davido said in a press release. “‘Be There Still’ is all about perseverance and the journey. It’s a sound my fans know and love. I’m excited the world finally gets to hear it.” In the track, he reflects on his career longevity, singing, “Na God dey bless me all the way/12 years, I’m still on top.”
Be There Still follows the success of Awuke, featuring YG Marley, and Funds, a collaboration with Odumodublvck and Chike. Released last December, Funds samples South African legend Brenda Fassie’s 1997 hit Vuli Ndlela, a song that remains an anthem across the African diaspora. “‘Funds’ is a celebration of the hustle and the journey,” Davido told Rolling Stone at the time. “It’s a vibe that resonates across cultures. And with 5ive on the way, I’m bringing that same energy – African pride, global sound. We’re just getting started.”
Set for release in April 2025 under Columbia Records UK, 5ive has already generated massive anticipation, with Davido calling it his “best album to date.” The project continues his global push for Afrobeats, a movement he has championed throughout his career.
Since rising to prominence, Davido has cemented his position as one of Africa’s most influential artists. With over 5 billion streams and 1.4 billion video views, he is the most-followed Afrobeats artist across social media. His ability to blend African rhythms with mainstream pop has made him a key figure in bridging the gap between local and global audiences.
His 2023 album Timeless became the first African project to top the iTunes Album Chart and has since garnered over a billion streams. The album earned three Grammy nominations: Global Music Album (Timeless), Global Music Performance (Feel), and Best African Music Performance (Unavailable). In 2025, he earned his fourth Grammy nomination for Sensational, a collaboration with Chris Brown.
Beyond streaming success, Davido remains a powerhouse on stage. His Timeless tour saw sold-out performances across the UK, U.S., and international markets, including a historic headlining show at Madison Square Garden in April 2024. His past performances include multiple sold-out nights at London’s O2 Arena and Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, as well as a showstopping appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony, viewed by over 250 million people.
In a 2022 Rolling Stone interview, Davido emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong homegrown fan base. “I always tell artists, ‘Always have that home love first. Then, you could take over the world.’” His commitment to African music remains evident as he gears up for 5ive, ensuring that while his reach is global, his foundation remains firmly rooted in Afrobeats.
Sources
- https://www.sonymusic.ca/press_release/4x-grammy-nominated-international-superstar-davido-releases-new-single-be-there-still-from-his-highly-anticipated-upcoming-album-5ive#:~:text=Speaking%20on%20the%20track%2C%20Davido,finally%20gets%20to%20hear%20it.%E2%80%9D
- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/davido-5ive-be-there-still-1235295950/
