Discover 10 songwriters who contributed to Davido’s fifth studio album.
For all the spotlight on Davido’s chart-topping hits—his sold-out tours, infectious hooks, and high-profile collaborations—a consistent thread often flies under the radar: the songwriters helping craft the music. Unlike many of his peers, Davido has never been shy about acknowledging his collaborators.
From Peruzzi’s input on Unavailable to Teni’s pen game on Like Dat, and even the fan-favorite Fall, co-written by KDDO, Davido has long embraced a collaborative approach to songwriting. That spirit carries through on his fifth studio album, 5ive.
The 17-track project seamlessly blends Afropop, R&B, and global sounds, delivering the polished production and star-powered features fans have come to expect. But behind the gloss is a lineup of talented writers who helped shape the album’s lyrical core.
Previously, we broke down 10 Davido songs you didn’t know were written by others. This time, we’re shining the spotlight on 10 writers you need to know from the credits of his newly released fifth studio album, 5ive.
1. Yung Alpha
The undisputed MVP of 5ive, Yung Alpha—Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer—boasts the most writing credits on the album, with five tracks to his name. His versatility shines across songs like Offa Me (featuring Victoria Monét), Don’t Know, Holy Water (featuring Victony and Musa Keys), Lately, and With You (featuring Omah Lay). In addition to his songwriting, Yung Alpha also engineered Offa Me, solidifying his influence throughout the entire project.
2. 1da Banton
This isn’t his first rodeo with Davido—1da Banton previously co-wrote No Competition featuring Asake on Timeless. On this album, he returns to lend both his songwriting and production talents to Lover Boy, the breezy, cross-cultural collaboration featuring Tayc and Dadju. His influence helps shape the track into a smooth, genre-blending jam that bridges Afrobeats, French pop, and R&B with effortless charm.
3. Mizzle
Viral songwriting sensation Mizzle lends his songwriting talents to Funds, the lively track featuring Odumodublvck and Chike. His contribution plays a crucial role in striking a delicate balance between gritty, streetwise storytelling and the smooth, emotional pull of romantic depth, adding a layered richness to the song’s overall feel.
4. Danny Brace
On R&B, a sultry and intoxicating collaboration with Jamaican stars Shenseea and 450, Danny Brace masterfully sets the tone with slow-burn, sensual lyrics that simmer with emotion. The track effortlessly leans into lush Caribbean rhythms and late-night textures, creating a rich, atmospheric soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive.
5. Ashidapo
A low-key but steady force in Nigeria’s songwriting scene, Ashidapo lends his pen to Holy Water, one of the album’s most collaborative tracks. Working alongside Victony, SaveMilli, Deinde, and Yung Alpha, he helps craft the song’s sonically expansive feel.
6. SaveMilli
Renowned for his bold, experimental approach and genre-blending style, rapper SaveMilli lends his creative pen to Holy Water, infusing the track with an additional layer of artistic depth and daring innovation. His contribution adds a unique, adventurous edge to the song, working alongside Victony, Deinde, and Yung Alpha to craft a truly dynamic collaboration.
7. Bobo F. Ajudua
Yes, Davido’s lawyer gets writing credits too. Bobo F. Ajudua is not exactly a hitmaker, but here he teams up with spoken-word poet Maryam Bukar Hassan (Alhanislam) on Five by Alhanislam, the introspective opening monologue of the album. Purposeful and reflective, it marks a bold artistic pivot that immediately sets 5ive apart from Davido’s earlier projects.
8. Victony
Beyond lending his vocals to Holy Water, Victony also co-wrote the track, weaving in his signature vulnerability and melodic precision—the kind of penmanship that elevates the collaboration into a standout moment.
9. Deinde
A former DMW signee, Deinde reemerges on Holy Water, this time lending his writing skills. Known for his emotive, R&B-rooted style, his presence further cements the track as the album’s most collaborative and perhaps most affecting cut.
10. Omah Lay
In addition to contributing his vocals to With You, Omah Lay co-wrote the track with Davido and Yung Alpha, infusing it with his distinct melodic style. While the song carries his signature touch, it seamlessly blends with Davido’s artistic direction, creating a unique collaboration that stands apart from the usual.
