With You (feat. Omah Lay)

"With You" is a multifaceted exploration of modern love, vulnerability, and devotion, expressed through the lens of Afrobeats. The song's meaning is built on the contrast and fusion of Davido's and Omah Lay's distinct styles. Omah Lay's verses delve into the anxieties and deep dependency that can accompany love. He portrays a sense of emotional fragility, where his partner's presence is a necessary warmth against an inner coldness, suggesting that his world would be unimaginable without her.

Davido's contribution shifts the narrative towards a more celebratory and confident expression of love. He uses Nigerian pidgin and Yoruba slang like 'Omoge' and 'tomato' to praise his partner's natural beauty and express his adoration in a culturally rich and playful manner. The core message conveyed is that love is a vital, all-encompassing force. The song explores the idea that sometimes words are insufficient to convey deep emotions, as referenced in the homage to Bright Chimezie's 'Because of English'. Ultimately, "With You" celebrates a love that is both deeply personal and joyfully universal, encompassing moments of quiet self-doubt, passionate desire, and unwavering commitment.

The song begins with Omah Lay setting a scene of emotional coldness and vulnerability. He describes a feeling of inner chill, so profound that a physical 'double sweater' is insufficient. This isn't about the weather; it's a metaphor for a relationship that has grown distant. He identifies himself as young, ordinary, and paranoid, consumed by the fear of imagining a life without his partner. This introduction establishes a tone of deep emotional dependency and insecurity, portraying a love that feels essential for his very existence.

Davido enters, shifting the tone from vulnerability to a more direct and playful form of affection. He addresses his lover with endearing terms like 'Sweet Fanta girl' and 'tomato', common Nigerian slang for an attractive woman. He insists that he could never forget her. A significant part of his verse pays homage to the Nigerian highlife legend Bright Chimezie. He references Chimezie's classic song 'Because of English' with lines like 'If I speak English, oh-oh. Cho-cho-cho, no working'. This implies that mere words, especially formal English, are inadequate to express the depth of his feelings. He playfully says he doesn't want to 'punish' her with empty words but rather 'punish' her with affection. This wordplay transitions the song's mood, blending respect for musical heritage with romantic pursuit.

Davido continues by boasting about his partner's natural beauty, stating she's 'too fine, no be makeup, oh'. He asserts that anyone who sees her would be left speechless. The lyrics then become more intimate and sensual with invitations like 'O ya baby, lay down, oh' and 'Finish work for me, oh'. These phrases are colloquial invitations to intimacy, asking his partner to take control and express their love physically. This section highlights a passionate, confident desire that complements Omah Lay's earlier, more fragile expressions of longing.

The song's outro brings both artists together, repeating phrases like 'Baby, baby, baby' and 'My love, my love, my love'. These simple, melodic repetitions serve as a gentle and sincere conclusion, reinforcing the central theme of love and devotion. The track, therefore, journeys from a state of anxious dependency to a celebration of passionate, playful, and profound love, creating a multi-faceted emotional narrative.

"With You" is a collaborative track by Nigerian artists Davido and Omah Lay, released on April 18, 2025. It appears as a track on Davido's fifth studio album, titled '5ive'. The song was produced by the acclaimed Nigerian producer Tempoe and written by Davido, Omah Lay, and Yung Alpha.

The collaboration was sparked by a moment of mutual admiration that went viral. Davido was on a livestream with Kai Cenat, playing Omah Lay's music in his car. This public show of appreciation led to a conversation between the two artists. Davido mentioned that they had a 40-minute phone call, which dispelled any previous notion Omah Lay might have had that Davido disliked him. They properly connected during Paris Fashion Week, and the collaboration flowed naturally from there. Davido described the process as having 'no-ego' and that Omah Lay sent his verse, which immediately captivated him. Davido was so impressed he rewrote his own verse to match the energy, stating his team told him, 'You need to go crazy on this.' The track was finalized in September before its 2025 release.

A key inspiration for the song was the classic 1980s Highlife track "Because of English" by Nigerian legend Bright Chimezie. Davido openly acknowledged this influence, even having a video call with Chimezie to express his respect and invite him to appear in the music video, which he did. This connection bridges generational gaps in Nigerian music, blending traditional Highlife vibes with contemporary Afrobeats.

"With You" features a fluid and rhythmic structure characteristic of Afrobeats, prioritizing flow and melody over a rigid rhyme scheme. The rhythm is infectious and danceable, designed to engage the listener physically and emotionally.

The song's rhyme scheme is loose and often relies on assonance and internal rhymes rather than strict end rhymes, allowing the lyrics to feel more like a natural, flowing conversation. For instance, in Omah Lay's verse, the connection between lines is more thematic and rhythmic than based on perfect rhymes. Davido's verse uses repetition and parallelism, as seen in the repeated 'Idiarabanko' line, which creates a rhythmic anchor and a memorable chant-like effect.

The tempo is mid-paced, creating a vibe that is simultaneously laid-back and groovy. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the instrumental beat is seamless. The vocal deliveries of both artists follow the melodic contours of the production, sometimes syncopating against the beat to add interest and drive. Omah Lay's delivery is smoother and more legato, while Davido's is more percussive and rhythmically playful. This rhythmic contrast between the two vocalists is a key element of the song's dynamic appeal.

"With You" showcases a rich blend of musical and literary techniques that define its unique Afrobeats sound.

• Musical Fusion: The track is a prime example of genre-blurring, merging contemporary Afrobeats with the vintage grooves of Nigerian Highlife and Funk from the 1970s and 80s. This is most evident in the homage to Bright Chimezie, which infuses a nostalgic quality into a modern track.
• Vocal Chemistry: The song's structure is built on the contrasting yet complementary vocal styles of Omah Lay and Davido. Omah Lay delivers a soulful, emotive, and somewhat melancholic performance, creating a sense of vulnerability. Davido counters this with his signature energetic, playful, and charismatic delivery, creating a dynamic emotional journey from introspection to celebration.
• Call and Response/Ad-libs: Davido's verse incorporates ad-libs like '(My love, my love, my love)' which function as a self-reassuring chant, enhancing the song's emotional depth. The outro features both artists in a gentle, repetitive call-and-response, creating a melodic and memorable closing.
• Colloquial Language and Slang: The lyrics are rich with Nigerian Pidgin and slang (e.g., 'no be makeup', 'Omoge', 'tomato', 'finish work'). This makes the song culturally authentic and relatable to its primary audience while adding a layer of intrigue for international listeners.
• Production Style: The production by Tempoe is smooth and atmospheric, balancing soft beats with engaging Afro-R&B elements. This creates a warm, immersive soundscape that supports the romantic and emotional themes of the lyrics.

"With You" made a significant cultural impact upon its release, primarily as a standout track from Davido's fifth studio album, '5ive'. The song quickly became a fan favorite and a viral sensation, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, where it generated over 2.5 million creations. This viral spread cemented its status as a major hit in the Afrobeats landscape.

The song achieved impressive chart performance, debuting at number 4 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart and later climbing to number 1. It also garnered over 20 million streams on Spotify in a relatively short period, highlighting its global reach and the power of collaboration between two of Nigeria's biggest stars. The album '5ive' itself debuted at number 7 in the Official UK Albums Chart, marking the highest chart position of Davido's career in the UK.

A major aspect of its cultural influence lies in its homage to Highlife music. By sampling and getting inspiration from Bright Chimezie's classic "Because of English," Davido and Omah Lay created a bridge between generations of Nigerian music. This act was widely celebrated as a respectful nod to the genre's pioneers and contributed to a resurgence of interest in Highlife among younger audiences. The collaboration and the public acknowledgment of Chimezie's influence were seen as a unifying moment in the Nigerian music industry.

The lyrics of "With You" employ several metaphors and cultural symbols to deepen its emotional resonance.

• Emotional Weather: Omah Lay's opening verse, "Baby, the weather / Is getting cold / Cold inside / Double sweater," uses weather as a metaphor for the emotional state of the relationship. The 'cold' isn't literal but represents distance, loneliness, and a cooling of passion. The 'double sweater' symbolizes a futile attempt to find warmth and comfort in the absence of his lover's affection.
• 'Because of English' Homage: Davido's line, "If I speak English, oh-oh / Cho-cho-cho, no working," is a direct reference to Bright Chimezie's song. Here, 'speaking English' symbolizes the inadequacy of formal or conventional language to express profound love and desire. It suggests that his feelings are so intense they can only be conveyed through more primal, emotional, and perhaps physical expressions, rather than eloquent but sterile words.
• 'Tomato': The use of 'tomato' as a term of endearment is a popular Nigerian slang. It symbolizes someone who is fresh, attractive, and desirable. This metaphor adds a playful and culturally specific layer to his admiration of his partner's beauty.
• 'Finish Work': The phrase 'Finish work for me, oh' is a slang expression that functions as a sensual metaphor. It's an invitation for his partner to take the lead in their intimacy, to 'complete the job' of their love-making. It symbolizes a shift from verbal affection to physical passion.

Several recurring phrases and motifs anchor the song "With You," enhancing its thematic coherence and memorability.

• "Ooh / Baby, baby, baby" and "My love, my love, my love": These phrases are repeated in the outro and as ad-libs, serving as the song's central emotional refrain. Their repetition strips the expression of love down to its simplest, most universal terms. It acts as a melodic hook that is both tender and declarative, reinforcing the song's core message of affection and devotion.
• The "Punish You" Wordplay: Davido's transition from "I no wan punish, woah, woah" to "I wantu punish you, Idiarabanko" is a key lyrical motif. The first use refers to not wanting to cause emotional pain with inadequate words, while the second pivots to a playful, romantic 'punishment' of overwhelming affection and intimacy. This clever turn of phrase is a memorable hook that encapsulates the song's blend of sincerity and flirtation.
• Reference to Natural Beauty: The motif of natural, unadorned beauty is highlighted in the line "Omoge too fine, no be makeup, oh." This recurring theme in Afrobeats love songs praises authenticity and inner beauty over artificial enhancements, grounding the romantic sentiment in genuine admiration.
• Coldness/Warmth Metaphor: The song opens with a motif of coldness ("Is getting cold / Cold inside") introduced by Omah Lay, which represents emotional distance and loneliness. This is implicitly contrasted with the warmth and passion of Davido's verses and the overall theme of finding comfort and heat in a loving connection, creating a recurring emotional landscape throughout the track.