British-Nigerian rapper Dave and Nigerian singer Tems have achieved a significant milestone on the Official UK Singles Chart, as their collaborative single Raindance climbed to Number One this week. The achievement marks a rare and celebrated chart-topping moment for Nigerian artists in one of the world’s most competitive music markets. 

Released on 23 October 2025 as part of Dave’s third studio album The Boy Who Played the Harp, Raindance steadily built momentum over several months. After debuting on the UK Singles Chart and spending more than a quarter of a year in the Top 40, the song finally rose to the top during the chart week ending January 29, 2026, selling more than 50,000 units in its peak week. 

For Dave, whose real name is David Orobosa Michael Omoregie, Raindance becoming Number One adds to an already impressive list of hits. It is his fourth UK Number One single, following earlier chart leaders such as Funky Friday, Starlight, and Sprinter. This latest success has made him one of the most successful UK rappers in the 2020s in terms of chart-topping singles. 

Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, celebrates her first appearance at the top of the UK Official Singles Chart with Raindance. The Nigerian singer has steadily risen on the global music scene through acclaimed solo work and high-profile collaborations, including her widely recognised feature on Wizkid’s Essence and work with international stars such as Drake and Rihanna. 

Music listeners and industry watchers have noted that this moment places both artists in the spotlight not only for their individual talents but also for the broader influence of African-inspired music in global markets. The fusion of Dave’s lyrical rap sensibilities with Tems’ soulful vocals has resonated with diverse audiences, helping Raindance become a standout track well beyond its initial release period. 

Reaching Number One in the UK is a meaningful achievement that underscores the growing presence of African artists and sounds on international charts. Fans from both the UK and Nigeria took to social media to celebrate the news, describing it as a proud moment for Nigerian music and representation on a global stage.

Many commentators highlighted that Tems’ success in reaching Number One is particularly historic, as African female artists have been underrepresented at the very top of major Western charts. Her achievement has been described in music communities as a breakthrough that may pave the way for more African voices to reach similar heights. 

The success of Raindance also comes as Dave heads into the 2026 BRIT Awards season, where he has received multiple nominations, adding further momentum to his international profile. 

For both Dave and Tems, the chart-topping moment with Raindance highlights how contemporary music rooted in diverse cultural influences can capture widespread appeal, bridging genres and continents.