Davido Drops His First Single of the Year, “Awuke”

Between getting married and dropping a few feature verses, Davido is having a good year.

It's only right that his newly-released first single of the year, “Awuke,” is a reflection of the positive space he’s in. Always one for a party-ready hit, the new song merges the Nigerian superstar’s premier abilities: catchy, romance-themed writing and an ear for production that will turn the dance floor rowdy.

Like many of his greatest songs, “Awuke” is a celebration of Davido’s infatuation with his love interest, replete with the kind of effusive, instantly memorable lines that are his trademark. “Your body na chairman/I loyal gan” and “This kind of love na sweet jollof/and I dey knock for your door” are the kinds of couplets primed for communal screaming at parties and Davido’s live shows.

Co-produced by Mikababeatz and Marvey Muzique, the music for “Awuke” is dynamic and maximalist, featuring exquisite guitar riffs and piano strings, groovy percussion, and log drum-heavy breakdowns. American Jamaican reggae breakout star, YG Marley, joins in with a guest verse, his nasally croons acting as a nice counterpoint to Davido’s more boisterous energy.

Shot in Lagos and directed by DAPS, the video for “Awuke” features a lot of dancing, from choreographed moves by dancers dressed in white, to gyrating and grinding on the beach at a night party scene. Ahead of Detty December festivities, this is another timely reminder that Davido has very few peers making dance-ready hits on demand like him.

Watch the video for “Awuke” here.