“The kingdom expands. Chosen long before the throne,” Davido captioned the post, introducing fans to the chapter that is ORIADE, the album.
I don’t think as 30BG we thank Davido enough for ensuring that year after year, we never auditory starve. If it’s not with mad lit collaborative singles, he is dropping albums.
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The Nigerian megastar is doing it again, with a sixth body of work whose name we now know as ORIADE, officially arriving July 31, 2026. ORIADE will see him embrace his royal heritage as he marks yet another milestone in an illustrious career that has spanned well over a decade and continues to redefine African music on the global stage.
The “No Competition” singer announced the project through a cinematic video in which he appears dressed in regal Yoruba attire, with a powerful Yoruba eulogy playing in the background setting the tone for what promises to be one of his most personal projects yet.
For those familiar with Davido’s roots, the album title carries far more than just aesthetic appeal.
Hailing from the renowned Adeleke family of Ede in Osun State, a royal lineage widely recognized for its influence and prominence in Nigeria, Davido has never shied away from embracing his heritage. ORIADE, which translates to “the crowned head” or “the king,” serves as both a tribute to his ancestry and a reflection of the musical empire he has built over the years.
From dominating Afrobeats charts to selling out arenas across Africa, Europe, and North America, Davido has firmly established himself as one of the continent’s defining musical figures. Naming the album ORIADE feels less like a proclamation and more like a celebration of the journey that has brought him to this point.
Ahead of the album announcement, the “Feel” hitmaker released his first single of 2026, “I Know Who I Be,” featuring South African hitmakers JAZZWRLD and GL Ceejay. The three-step anthem sees Davido continue exploring the vibrant South African sound that has increasingly become part of his sonic palette, following the success of records like Nakupenda and Champion Sound.
While details surrounding the album’s tracklist and guest appearances remain under wraps, Davido previously hinted that ORIADE would place a strong emphasis on celebrating Nigerian and African music. If that’s anything to go by, fans can expect a project deeply rooted in the sounds and cultures that have shaped his career while still carrying the global appeal that has become synonymous with the 30BG leader.
ORIADE arrives following the remarkable success of 5ive, an album that delivered chart-topping records including the smash hit With You and powered a world tour that saw Davido headline arenas and stadiums across multiple continents, including unforgettable performances in Uyo and Ibadan.
As the countdown to July 31 begins, anticipation continues to build around what could be another defining chapter in Davido’s already legendary catalog. If history has taught us anything, it’s that whenever OBO announces a new era, the entire continent pays attention.
Our predictions or conspiracies could be around whether Davido will collaborate with Chris Brown or even with Musa Keys on this one, as they have previously collaborated in the past and on his past 2 projects. Conversation on whether this could eventually be the album that brings the Grammy home have also sparked online. Anyway, only one way to find out. We are so psyched and its safe to say July 31 can’t come soon enough. We are anticipating heavy! Pre-save ORIADE here.