Prosper Okoye
British-Nigerian rapper Dave and Nigerian singer Tems have topped the UK’s Official Singles Chart with their collaborative track Raindance, marking a rare moment in which two Nigerian artists have held the number one position simultaneously.
The song climbed to the top spot this week after previously peaking at number two, according to the Official Charts Company.
For Dave, whose full name is David Orobosa Michael Omoregie, the achievement represents his fourth UK number one single, following Funky Friday, Starlight and Sprinter. The latest success also makes him the UK rapper with the most chart-topping singles so far this decade.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDave, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, has become one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed artists in British music, known for lyrics that often address social and political issues.
For Tems, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, the chart position marks her first number one on the Official UK Singles Chart. The singer has built a growing international profile in recent years through solo releases and high-profile collaborations.
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She first gained widespread attention after featuring on Wizkid’s global hit Essence and has since worked with artists including Drake, Rihanna and Future. Tems has also won multiple Grammy Awards and achieved international chart success with songs such as Free Mind and Love Me JeJe.
The success of Raindance highlights the increasing presence of African and African-influenced music on global charts, particularly in the UK, where Afrobeats and related genres have continued to gain mainstream popularity.
Music analysts say the achievement reflects a broader shift in listening habits, with audiences embracing sounds and artists from outside traditional Western markets.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
