Dave’s collaboration with Tems on “Raindance” breaks new ground in the UK music scene, reaching No.1 on the Official Singles Chart. Dave scores his fourth career number one and confirms his dominance of the contemporary UK rap scene, while Tems celebrates her first top ten hit in the UK, with the song uniting two worlds – urban England and the African soul of Afro-fusion.
The “Raindance” of Dave and Tems climbed to number one on the UK Official Singles Chart on 23 January 2026, making their collaboration one of the most talked about music events of the month. The song, which is included in Dave's album The Boy Who Played the Harp, has already spent 13 weeks in the Top 40 and climbed another place to reach the top.
The hit marks Dave’s fourth UK No. 1, following “Funky Friday”, “Starlight” and “Sprinter” with Central Cee, while it’s Tems’ first time seeing her name at the top. “Raindance” bridges Dave’s literary style with Tems’ soulful voice, combining the layered sound of UK rap with the lyrical passion of Afrobeat culture.
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The song stands out for its warm atmosphere and lyrics that speak of change, sensitivity and acceptance. Dave delivers an intense and emotional performance, while Tems adds her own signature with her deep, almost dreamy voice. The result is an emotional ode to self-knowledge, dressed in sounds that combine traditional soul and modern electronic production.
The sound of “Raindance” reflects Dave’s artistic maturity, as his latest album focuses on themes of identity, resilience and introspection. His lyrical references remain sharp yet personal, while Tems brings an atmosphere that unites London and Lagos into a single musical language.
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The song's video, directed by Gabriel Moses, offers a cinematic approach to the relationship between man and nature, with images that play with light and shadow, perfectly matching the metaphorical dimension of the song's title. Its visual language combines modern aesthetics with symbolism, giving new life to the theme of rain and rebirth.
“Raindance” also marks a historic moment in Dave’s career, who recently received three nominations for the 2026 BRIT Awards: Album of the Year, Artist of the Year and Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap Act. The critical reception of his new album has placed the artist in the realm of creators who are not afraid to experiment with new sounds and narrative forms.
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Tems, on the other hand, is in the most creative phase of her career, having achieved international recognition with songs like “Free Mind” and her collaboration with Drake on “Fountains.” The success of “Raindance” confirms her as a global voice with authenticity and sensitivity.
The song’s rise to the top of the charts has been accompanied by a dramatic increase in digital streams, with thousands of fans sharing snippets of the song on social media and using its sound in viral videos. “Raindance” acts as a cultural connecting thread across generations and continents, redefining how contemporary British music perceives its international identity.
The union of two such different worlds – Dave’s literary toughness and Tems’ emotional warmth – shows that the global music scene is moving towards an era where labels are transcended. “Raindance” is not just a hit; it is a statement of artistic unity and inner expression through rhythm.
With every note, Dave proves that rap can be emotional without sacrificing its power, and Tems gives the composition an aura of timeless charm. “Raindance” is a song that transcends the boundaries of fashion and category, writing its own chapter in modern music history.