Nigerian music titan David Adeleke—known worldwide as Davido—has secured a milestone achievement: his fourth studio album, Timeless, has earned Silver Certification in the United Kingdom. Awarded by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), this honor confirms that the album has sold over 100,000 units in the UK. This recognition not only highlights Davido’s global appeal but also strengthens Afrobeats’ growing influence within one of the world’s most competitive music markets.
From Domestic Dominance to International Breakthrough
Since its release on March 31, 2023, Timeless conquered multiple domestic streaming records and charted strongly abroad. It debuted at #37 on the Billboard 200, moving over 17,000 units in its opening week. In the UK, it broke into the Top 10, distinguishing itself as one of the few Nigerian albums to achieve that feat .
Within Nigeria, the album swept major streaming platforms: Spotify, Boomplay, Audiomack, and YouTube all saw Timeless shatter previous records. It amassed over 14.5 million streams in one week on Spotify Nigeria, setting a new high-water mark. Similarly, it achieved record first-week streams on Apple Music Nigeria and registered the largest debut week ever on both Audiomack (12 million streams) and Boomplay (22 million streams in the first four days).
These records underscore a powerful narrative: Timeless didn’t just dominate locally—it reshaped Nigerian artist performance metrics on global digital platforms.
The Sound of Timeless: Genre Fusion and-Star Collaborations
Davido infused Timeless with a rich blend of musical styles. Although primarily Amapiano, the album incorporates Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, konto, highlife, and Afropop, delivering a diverse listening experience. This fusion allowed Davido to bridge multiple musical cultures and tastes.
The album spans 17 tracks and features an array of notable artists:
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Asake and Fave, representing the younger wave of Nigerian stars
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Skepta, injecting UK hip-hop edge
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Jamaican act Dexta Daps, adding dancehall flair
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South African artist Focalistic, expanding continental reach
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Legacy voices The Cavemen and Angelique Kidjo, reinforcing musical depth
Producers such as Magicsticks, Blaisebeatz, and 1da Banton helped crystallize this varied sound, rendering Timeless both contemporary and enduring.
Hit Singles Fuel Momentum
Three stand-out singles elevated the album’s visibility:
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“Champion Sound” (feat. Focalistic) launched the campaign in November 2021 and built early anticipation.
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“Unavailable” (feat. Musa Keys) soared with a Silver Certification in the UK and earned a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance, showcasing both its commercial and critical success.
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“Feel”, characterized by its pulsating Amapiano grooves, received a Grammy nod for Best Global Song Performance.
These singles anchored the album’s global presence and paved the way for long-form streaming achievements.
Critical Acclaim and Award Recognition
Beyond commercial success, critics acknowledged Timeless as Davido’s most accomplished work to date. Reviews awarded it:
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8/10 from Clash, describing it as “ambitious yet finessed”
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7.6/10 from Pulse Nigeria, citing its refined production
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Praise from Teen Vogue, Uproxx, Afrocritik, and more, celebrating its diversity and emotional depth
Industry recognition followed. The album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album, while “Unavailable” and “Feel” received nominations for Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Performance, respectively. Additionally, the lead single scored a Headies nomination for Song of the Year.
Timeless Tour: Global Reach in Motion
Behind the album’s success stood the Timeless Tour, which spanned North America and Europe. The tour launched on July 1, 2023, at Washington D.C.’s Capital One Arena and concluded on July 15, 2023, at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage. Additional stops included Houston, Chicago, New York, and London, among other key cities .
The tour drew impressive crowds and sold-out venues, reflecting Davido’s appeal across continents. With bold staging and chart-topping setlists—featuring Timeless hits—Davido reinforced his status as a global live act.
Context: Davido’s Career and Preceding Achievements
Timeless followed up Davido’s previous studio album, A Better Time (2020), and preceded his fifth album, 5ive (April 2025) . With each album, his artistic and global reach expanded. He became a five-time Grammy nominee, a path highlighted by the Timeless campaign .
Davido’s trajectory also includes major hits like “Fall,” which earned Silver certification in the UK, and “Blow My Mind” (feat. Chris Brown), showcasing his cross-border appeal.
What the Silver Certification Means
The BPI grants Silver Certification upon surpassing 100,000 units, including physical sales, digital downloads, and streaming equivalents. This milestone shows sustained performance, each year after release, and it confirms the album continues to resonate with British audiences .
Davido now joins a select group of African artists achieving UK Silver status with a full studio album.
Looking Ahead: Afrobeats’ Continued Ascent
Davido’s Timeless success reflects more than individual achievement—it signals Afrobeats’ ongoing expansion on the world stage. The genre has earned global charts placements and awards, with artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid leading the charge. Timeless builds on this momentum, and with the album’s crossover appeal—thanks to its genre fusion and strategic collaborations—it may influence future Afrobeats-produced international collaborations and joint global projects.
