Davido has confirmed that his sixth studio album, Oriadé, marks the end of his recording contract with Sony Music Entertainment, closing a decade-long partnership with the global label.
The singer disclosed during a livestream interview hosted by comedian Carter Efe. “This is my last album with Sony… so I wanted to put my all into it,” Davido said.
Oriadé was released on 31 July 2026. The 13-track project features African and international acts including Black Sherif, Leon Thomas, Aya Nakamura, and a reunion with former label mate Mayorkun. Davido said he deliberately tilted the album toward an authentic African sound, stepping back from chasing mainstream international crossover markers.
First-day streaming figures showed 5.75 million streams in Nigeria, and the album debuted at number two on Spotify’s Top Albums Debut Global chart.
Davido signed his global deal with Sony Music International in 2016. The partnership produced A Good Time, A Better Time, and the record-breaking Timeless.
No statement has been released by Sony Music on the contract conclusion. Davido has not announced whether he will operate as an independent artist or sign with a new distributor.
Industry sources suggest the expiration of the Sony deal allows for immediate negotiations with other labels and distribution networks.
A formal update on his recording status is expected before the end of the third quarter.
