“It’s a vibe that resonates across cultures,” Davido tells Rolling Stone exclusively of the Odumodublvck-and-Chike-assisted track kicking off his fifth album’s release
After the success of 2023’s Timeless, Afrobeats star Davido will release his fifth album, aptly titled 5ive, in March 2025. Alongside the announcement of what Davido describes as his “best album to date,” the singer has teased a new single, “Funds,” dropping at midnight West African Time, 6 p.m. ET, a representative confirms. “Funds” will feature Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck and rising singer Chiké.
“‘Funds’ is a celebration of the hustle and the journey,” Davido exclusively tells Rolling Stone in a statement. “Working with Odumodublvck and Chiké on this track was magic. They brought their own unique energy, and together we created something special. This song isn’t just about money – it’s about the mindset, the struggle, and the rewards that come with staying true to your grind. It’s a vibe that resonates across cultures. And with 5ive on the way, I’m bringing that same energy – African pride, global sound. We’re just getting started.”
The new track samples late South African singer Brenda Fassie’s 1997 classic, “Vuli Ndlela,” a popular hit across the African diaspora that broke as Fasssie’s country emerged from an oppressive apartheid regime. Davido performed the unreleased “Funds” at a birthday concert he held in his hometown of Atlanta’s State Farm Arena in November alongside Odumudoblvck. (Davido was born in Atlanta and raised between the U.S. and Nigeria.)
5ive’s announcement and “Funds” come on the heels of Davido’s October single “Awuke” with reggae upstart YG Marley (the son of Lauryn Hill and Rohan Marley; grandson of Bob Marley). This February, Rolling Stone rode along with Davido to the Grammys, where he was nominated for his first three awards: Best Global Music Album for 2023’s Timeless, Best Global Music Performance for the single “Feel,” and in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category for his hit “Unavailable.” In 2023, Rolling Stone named “Unavailable” the second-best Afropop song of the year.
