Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido surprised fans with the announcement of his fourth studio album, “Timeless” only ten days before its March 31, 2023 release date. The Sony Music U.K. and Davido Music Worldwide project also came with the announcement of three concerts; one in Irving Plaza Manhattan New York, the other at London’s Koko concert venue and another in his hometown Lagos Nigeria. In Nigeria’s current musical renaissance, Davido’s vocals are rich in quality and his range from politics to love makes him an eligible contender for the crown.
As he comes to terms with last October’s tragic passing of his son, Ifeanyi, the 30 year old continues his love affair with time. “Timeless” follows the release of 2020’s “A Better Time” which peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard World Albums chart.
Does “Timeless” stand the test of time?
The 17 track set highlights Davido’s willingness to work with artists from different genres and different eras, resulting in a kaleidoscopic buffet for listeners. Skepta’s rap verse on “U(Juju)” and smith vocals from his label’s newest acts Morravey and Logos Olori on “In The Garden” and Picasso respectively are commendable Afro-R&B performances. Other standout collaborations from Musa Keys, dancehall artist Dexta Daps, 80s world music singer and The Polar Music Prize 2023 Laureate Angélique Kidjo give the album depth and flavor by cross pollinating genres and eras.
One of the reasons modern Afro-music is loved by many is its honesty in expressing wholesome themes. “Feel” comes across as an introduction to a Disney movie about Africa with the percussion complimenting Davido’s attractive vocal inserts. “She got me feeling like a Zombie. And she dey shot like Chuck Norris. The way she put her body down/ You got me falling truly. I just touched down; wanna see you now,” he begs.
Then to close Davido declares his winnings on the lead single for the album “Champion Sound” with an Amapiona visual vibe produced Caltonic SA and Tee Jay with an accompanying music video shot in London’s Dalia Dias.
Timeless wins for its simplistic delivery and signals Davido’s maturity as an artist when compared to his previous work, but with no singular sound, theme, experiments sometimes go over the heads of those with a safe ear.
It is an impressive addition to his quartette discography. “Timeless” has something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue with its range of moods and genres. Davido lays another brick in the foundation of Global music.
