Davido kicked off his 2024 solo campaign with “Awuke,” a sultry collaboration with American-Jamaican artist YG Marley. Released on October 31, 2024, the track marks Davido’s first lead single of the year and serves as the opener for his highly anticipated fifth album, 5ive . The song follows Davido’s guest features on Angélique Kidjo’s “Joy” and Darkoo’s “Right Now,” teasing a new era of global Afrobeats dominance.
Artist: Davido
Featured Artist: YG Marley
Release Date: October 31, 2024
Album: 5ive (Upcoming, 2025)
Genre: Afrobeats, Amapiano
Producers: Mikababeatz, Marvey Muzique
Label: Columbia Records
Songwriters: Davido, Moonlight AfriQA
Production & Sound
Produced by Mikababeatz and Marvey Muzique, “Awuke” blends Afrobeats rhythms with Amapiano’s signature log drums and whistle melodies, creating a danceable yet romantic vibe . The track’s lush instrumentation—heavy bass percussion, shimmering synths, and YG Marley’s reggae-infused vocals—showcases a seamless fusion of African and Caribbean influences .
Lyrics & Themes
A celebration of love and admiration, “Awuke” (which loosely translates to “Look at Her” in Yoruba) centers on:
– Beauty & Devotion: Davido croons about a love interest’s allure: “She dey shine like diamond / No be lie, I’m inspired” .
– Cultural Pride: YG Marley’s verse adds a Jamaican patois flair, bridging diasporic sounds .
– Resilience: The chorus—”Awuke, she dey stand strong”—hints at perseverance in relationships .
Reception & Impact
– Chart Performance: Peaked at #1 on Nigeria’s TurnTable charts and #9 on Billboard’s US Afrobeats Songs .
– Critical Praise: Premium Times hailed it as “a vibrant celebration of African identity,” praising the “smooth interplay” of Davido’s vocals and YG Marley’s “refreshing vibe” .
– Visuals: The Daps-directed music video trended at #4 on YouTube Nigeria, featuring vibrant Lagos backdrops and choreography .
Behind the Scenes
– Teasers: Davido first previewed the track at Lauryn Hill’s Paris concert, sparking fan frenzy .
– Collaboration: YG Marley’s feature follows his breakout hit “Praise Jah In The Moonlight,” adding crossover appeal .
Final Verdict
“Awuke” is a masterclass in Afrobeats globalization—Davido and YG Marley deliver a love letter that’s both intimate and universally infectious. With 5ive on the horizon, this single reaffirms Davido’s reign as a genre pioneer.
Rating: 8.5/10 – A smooth, genre-blurring bop with staying power.
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