Nigerian social media critic and commentator Daniel Regha, has caused a stir with his bold review of Davido’s newly released fifth studio album, “5ive” on X.
The critic did not mince words, criticizing the album for what he described as lazy lyricism and uninspired collaborations.
He highlighted the track “With You,” featuring Omah Lay, as a missed opportunity, and flagged “10 Kilo” for using the term “Orọbọ,” which he argued could be seen as body-shaming.
In his post, Regha remarked, “‘5ive’ the album review: -“With You” ft. Omah Lay is a fumbled collab, literally nothing to speak of. In the track “Titanium”, Davido wasn’t really on the same page with Chris Brown, and the song is basically the same as “Anything”. Again, when it comes to wordplay, Davido has terrible writing/rhyming skills. Words like Wheel-barrow, Toy-toy-toy, in the songs “R&B”, and “Don’t Know” are examples. In the track “CFMF”, the “face me, I face you” reference couldn’t be less accurate, since his rich background is no news. “10 Kilo” promotes bodyshamimg, as “Orọbọ” is a discriminatory word that conveys ridicule. “Lately” has a miss in the second verse, multiple themes. Some of the remaining tracks sounds like songs that were left out of his previous.”
However, Regha did acknowledge that Davido made savvy choices with his international collaborations.
Although these songs didn’t create major hits, they helped prevent the album from becoming a complete flop.
He concluded that the album’s listenability comes largely from Davido’s distinctive sound and the artist’s hype, but offered little in terms of lyrical innovation. He rated it a 2/10, but clarified that no offense was intended.
“That said, Davido was smart with his choice of Int’l collabs, as much as these collabs aren’t hits, it saves the album from being a total fl@p. The project is only listenable thanks to Davido’s signature sound and hype, but when it to lyrical content, it offers nothing new. Great beats though. It’s a 2/10. No offense.”
Despite Regha’s harsh critique, the album had already made a major impact commercially.
Released the same day, “5ive” shot to number one on both Nigeria’s Apple Music and iTunes Top Albums charts, also charting in 40 countries. It topped the charts in Gambia, Uganda, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
Tracks like “Anything” and “With You” made it to the Top 10 on Nigeria’s Apple Music Top Songs Chart, solidifying Davido’s continued relevance.
Supporters, including fellow artist Zlatan, praised Davido’s work ethic, while fans on X expressed their belief that the album could be a contender for a Grammy.
Regha’s critical review, though loud, seemed to fade in comparison to the album’s commercial success and the unwavering support from Davido’s 30BG fanbase, who were quick to defend the project.
Read some comments below:
@abazwhyllzz said: “Werey rest,we no really send you and your ratings for here. I go soon call igwe make them give you award cos you too mümü”
@enricodaveed replied: “Having this much to say after barely 24hrs goes to show that you didn’t listen because you wanted to, You listened to drop your biased two cents which fortunately not anyone who cares about good music would care about. Get a life. – no offense”
@ossaivictor1_ said: “I don dey fast dey pray dey wait make you drop your review chief, Omo na only you get sense for this country now o. The song promotes lies, body shaming, that can never be my WizKid for real.”
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