Cocoa Creative House (CCH): The Visionaries Behind Davido’s 5IVE Aesthetic Evolution

In the vibrant world of music and creative expression, collaborations between artists and creative houses often lead to groundbreaking outcomes. One such compelling partnership can be seen in the synergy between Cocoa Creative House and the influential Nigerian artist Davido, particularly evident in his album 5IVE. Led by the visionary Creative Director, Kayode “Blacktycoone” Umardeen has made significant contributions to shaping the artistic narrative and visual identity of this remarkable album.
When Davido released his much anticipated album 5IVE, fans were quick to praise not only the sound but the striking visual narrative that accompanied it. Beyond the music, what stood out was the bold and symbolic artistic direction, a world shaped by cultural homage, futuristic elegance, and identity. At the center of this transformation is the genius of Cocoa Creative House (CCH) and the bold vision of its Lead Creative Directors: Kayode “Blacktycoone” and Umardeen.

Redefining Afrobeats Aesthetics

The visuals from 5IVE, from the regal desert-staged cover to the powerful styling featuring cowrie headpieces and vibrantly cloaked figures, break away from the expected. The album’s aesthetic tells a deeper story rooted in heritage, mysticism, and power. Cocoa Creative House (CCH) used Afrocentric elements like cowries (symbolizing wealth and spirituality), bold colours, and futuristic minimalism to blend tradition with modernity.
This reimagining of Davido’s image signals a creative rebirth, one that Cocoa Creative House orchestrated with precision and courage.

The Creative Director’s Touch

The lead creative behind the magic Blacktycoone, the CEO of CCH brought a cinematic lens to Davido’s brand. He transformed each frame into a visual poem. His approach to art direction went beyond album visuals; it was a full-scale concept project that redefined how Nigerian music can be presented to a global audience. From wardrobe styling to symbolic set pieces, CCH by the lead of Blacktycoone, created a unified identity for “5IVE” that mirrors the maturity and spiritual depth of the album’s sound.
Davido’s “5IVE” album is not only a testament to his musical prowess but also a masterpiece of visual storytelling, largely influenced by Cocoa Creative House’s collaboration. Through meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of Davido’s artistic vision, Blacktycoone and his team at Cocoa Creative House have crafted a visual narrative that complements and enhances the album’s themes and messages.

A Symbiosis of Sound and Vision 

With 17 tracks featuring global stars like Chris Brown, Becky G, and Victoria Monét, the sonic landscape of 5IVE is both international and deeply African. Cocoa Creative House’s visuals didn’t just complement this, they elevated it. They made sure the visuals spoke as loudly as the lyrics, making 5IVE an immersive artistic experience. 

Blacktycoone’s Creative Fingerprints on “5IVE”:

Kayode ‘Blacktycoone’ Umardeen’s signature style, characterized by its modern edge, strong conceptual foundations, and meticulous attention to detail, is a driving force behind the visual presentation of “5IVE”. We can visualise his influence in several key areas:

• Striking and Symbolic Album Art: The album cover for “5IVE” embodies Blacktycoone’s vision. The imagery is likely carefully chosen to reflect the themes and sonic landscape of the album, aiming for a memorable and impactful visual representation.
• A Unified Visual Identity: Beyond the cover, Cocoa Creative House played a crucial role in establishing a cohesive visual identity for the “5IVE” era.
• Conceptual Depth and Storytelling: Blacktycoone’s work often goes beyond surface level aesthetics. For “5IVE”, we can see the visuals which is imbued with conceptual depth, storytelling, and reflecting the emotional core of the album’s tracks. This involve symbolic imagery and narrative driven visuals.
• Contemporary Relevance: Keeping a pulse on current visual trends while maintaining artistic integrity is a hallmark of Blacktycoone’s direction. The visuals for “5IVE” are likely to feel fresh and relevant, aligning with the contemporary music scene while still retaining Davido’s unique brand.

Cultural Commentary Through Art 

The album’s imagery, especially the use of faceless, colour coded figures and desert backdrops, hints at themes of ancestry, divinity, and cultural unity. These aren’t random design choices, they reflect the growing movement among African creatives to control their narratives and aesthetics. Cocoa Creative House is at the forefront of that movement, and “5IVE” stands as one of their proudest moments. 

It’s also important to remember that Cocoa Creative House’s influence extends beyond just the album cover. It be involved in:
• Music Video Concepts and Direction: Shaping the visual narratives that accompany the singles.
• Promotional Photography: Creating images for press and marketing materials.
• Overall Branding: Contributing to the consistent visual identity of the artist across all platforms.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for the Future

Cocoa Creative House, under the guidance of Blacktycoone, has played a significant role in shaping the visual presentation of Davido’s “5IVE”, like he did even with the visual presentation of Davido’s “Timeless”, we witness the transformative potential of collaborative creativity. This partnership has not only redefined the boundaries of artistic expression but also set a new standard for integrated storytelling in music. Moving forward, it serves as an inspiring example of how collaborative efforts can shape and enrich our cultural landscape.
Davido’s “5IVE” isn’t just an album, it’s a movement. And behind that movement is Cocoa Creative House, reminding us that great music deserves equally powerful visuals. With Cocoa Creative House, under the lead of Blacktycoone, the future of Afrobeats branding looks cinematic, intentional, and unapologetically African.
In essence, Cocoa Creative House’s collaboration with Davido on “5IVE” stands as a testament to the profound influence of creative synergy in the world of music and visual arts.

Credits: 

• Executive Producer: David Adeleke & Asa Asika
• Creative Direction: Kayode “Blacktycoone” Umardeen & Abiola Babarinde
• Photography: Tayo Kuku Jr.
• Creative Production: Cocoa Creative House (CCH)

Davido’s “5IVE” isn’t just heard, it’s seen, felt, and remembered.