Davido Celebrates Sixth Album ORIADÉ Release with New York Listening Party

Afrobeats superstar Davido marked the release of his sixth studio album, ORIADÉ, with an exclusive listening party in New York City. Hosted by Martell at the Amber Room, the event offered guests a first listen to the 13-track project just hours before it became available on streaming platforms via Sony Music UK/RCA Records.

The album's release coincides with Davido celebrating 15 years in the music industry. The title, ORIADÉ, is derived from Yoruba words meaning "the head that wears the crown." Davido has described it as symbolizing purpose and his "crown era," reflecting a deliberate reconnection with the African origins of his music.

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Derived from the Yoruba words “Ori” (head or destiny) and “Adé” (crown), ORIADÉ translates to “the head that wears the crown.”

Attendees at the New York event included Davido's wife Chioma, manager Asa Asika, and DJ ECool, who played the album in its entirety. Davido later joined DJ ECool on stage to perform selected tracks. A notable highlight was the surprise appearance of Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif, who performed their collaboration "Amazing Grace."

In recent interviews, Davido emphasized that ORIADÉ represents a conscious return to the foundational sounds of Afrobeats. He expressed a desire for the project to embrace African culture authentically, rather than seeking validation from Western audiences. The album delves into themes of destiny, legacy, community, and his personal and artistic evolution, featuring collaborations with artists such as Aya Nakamura and Leon Thomas.

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Oriade represents a conscious return to the sounds and identity that first defined Afrobeats, adding that he wanted the project to embrace African culture rather than seek validation from Western audiences.