Afrobeats megastar Davido has revealed that his highly anticipated upcoming album, 'ORIADE', will consist of 13 songs, all of which he describes as 'bangers'. In an interview with American media platform Notion, the multi-award-winning artist shared insights into the album, stating that it offers something for every type of listener.
'13 songs, all bangers, and I can't wait for you guys to hear it. There are songs for the ladies, songs for the guys, songs about struggle, and I can't wait for it to drop,' Davido said.
Album Announcement and Release Date
On June 29, 2026, Davido announced via social media that 'ORIADE' would be released on July 31, 2026. The announcement was accompanied by a video clip showing Davido wearing regal Yoruba attire, soundtracked by a rousing eulogy in Yoruba that captures the spirit of the album title. 'The kingdom expands. Chosen long before the throne,' he captioned the post.
'ORIADE' will be Davido's sixth studio album and his seventh project overall since breaking into the Nigerian mainstream over a decade ago. Notably, this album marks a departure from his previous LPs, which have consistently featured exactly 17 tracks.
Lead Single and South African Influences
Ahead of the album announcement, Davido released his first single of 2026, titled 'I Know Who I Be', featuring South African hitmakers JAZZWRLD and GL Ceejay. The three-step record continues Davido's exploration of the burgeoning South African sound, following his smash hit 'Nakupenda'.
Representing Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup
In the Notion interview, Davido expressed his delight at having represented Nigeria and Africa at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. He performed at the Countdown Concert in Los Angeles. 'Nigeria didn't make it to the World Cup, so I was there representing, and the energy was off the roof,' he said.
Fellow Nigerian megastar Burna Boy joined Shakira to perform the official World Cup anthem 'Dai Dai' at the opening ceremony in Mexico, while South African sensation Tyla joined rapper Future to perform 'Game Time' at the US kick-off ceremony.
Musical Inspirations and Cultural Pride
When asked about the music he's currently enjoying, Davido revealed that he listens to a lot of Country music and hip hop, adding that he has Drake's new album on repeat. He reiterated his commitment to promoting Nigerian and African sounds in his upcoming album and expressed a desire for Africans to have more festivals and ownership of their culture.
