Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has added another major achievement to his career after his album, 5IVE, was named Album of the Year at the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards.
The victory gives Davido another significant continental recognition and further strengthens his position among Africa’s leading music exports. The 2026 edition of the awards marked the return of the ceremony after a two year break, with the event bringing together prominent African artistes and entertainers.
Davido entered the competition as one of the biggest contenders after receiving five nominations across major categories. His nominations included Artist of the Year, Best Male West Africa, Crossing Boundaries With Music Award and Album of the Year. His collaboration with Omah Lay, “With You,” was also recognised in the Best Collaboration and Song of the Year categories...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
However, it was 5IVE that ultimately secured the major prize, defeating other highly regarded projects in the Album of the Year category. The competing albums included works by Burna Boy, Asake, Omah Lay, Black Sherif, Tyla, Lloyiso, Leigh Anne and Himra.
The award adds to the growing recognition surrounding 5IVE and comes at a significant point in Davido’s career. The singer has remained one of the most internationally recognised Nigerian artistes, with a career spanning more than a decade and a strong presence in the global Afrobeats movement.
The AFRIMMA recognition also comes as African music continues to expand its influence internationally, with artistes from Nigeria and other parts of the continent increasingly attracting audiences across Europe, North America and other global markets.
The 2026 ceremony featured several notable winners from across the continent. Fally Ipupa took home the Artist of the Year award, while BNXN and Sarz won Song of the Year. Other major honours were distributed among artistes representing different regions and genres of African music.
For Davido, the Album of the Year victory provides another major milestone for 5IVE and reinforces the album’s place in the conversation surrounding contemporary African music.
The achievement is also expected to generate further excitement among Davido’s large fan base, who have continued to celebrate his performances and milestones throughout his career.
With 5IVE now officially recognised as AFRIMMA’s Album of the Year for 2026, Davido has once again demonstrated his ability to remain a major force in African music while continuing to compete at the highest level of the continent’s entertainment industry.
