Nigerian singer and Grammy nominee Davido has disclosed that his 2024 hit “With You,” featuring Omah Lay, was nearly excluded from his 5IVE album due to a lack of enthusiasm during internal review. The revelation emerged during an interview with OkayAfrica, subsequently highlighted by HYPETRIBE.
Davido explained that the track did not rank among his team’s top five selections during listening sessions for the project. “Man, it’s so crazy because that song almost didn’t make the album. With You was not in anybody’s top five,” he stated. He described the song’s subsequent global success as an emotional turning point, often reflecting on the narrow escape during live performances. “Every time I was performing it, my heart would just start beating like, what if I didn’t put this song?” he added.
The single’s commercial and critical performance has been significant. It secured Davido a Grammy nomination, marking another career milestone, and has become one of his most streamed recent releases, surpassing 100 million plays on Spotify and topping international charts.
Regarding the Grammy recognition, Davido recounted learning of the nomination unexpectedly while in Dubai, days before his birthday. “They were like, ‘Oh yeah, another nomination.’ I was like, wow. Thank God,” he said, noting he was inspecting a car at the time.
Looking forward, Davido confirmed his focus on extensive touring and new music releases. A major highlight is his scheduled performance at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California. He is set to perform on both Saturdays, April 11 and 18, 2026, and is currently the only Nigerian artist listed on the festival’s upcoming lineup.
“Going back on tour, definitely more music. I’m about to do Coachella. Big plans,” Davido affirmed, underscoring his commitment to expanding his international presence following the track’s improbable journey from near-omission to award contention.
