When British-Nigerian rapper Dave dropped the visuals for ‘Raindance’ on 9 January 2026, the internet was not prepared. Filmed in the vibrant streets and beaches of Lagos, Nigeria, the music video united two of the world’s biggest artists in scenes so intimate that dating rumours erupted within hours. Now, the rewards are official: Dave Tems Raindance UK number one is confirmed, with the track climbing to the top spot on the UK Official Singles Chart—marking Dave’s fourth chart-topper and, crucially, Tems’ first number one single in Britain.
Chart-Topping Numbers
According to the Official Charts Company, ‘Raindance’ peaked with 50,474 units during the chart week ending 29 January 2026, consisting of 318 digital downloads and 50,156 sales-equivalent streams. The track’s journey to the summit was steady rather than explosive—it spent 10 consecutive weeks in the Top 30, peaked at number 3 in early January, and finally claimed the crown after the Christmas chart congestion cleared. Beyond the UK, ‘Raindance’ has achieved Top 10 positions in 11 countries, including number 1 in Greece, number 4 in Switzerland, number 7 in Ireland, number 8 in Germany, and number 9 in both the Netherlands and Austria. On Spotify, the track has surpassed 100 million streams, making it the most-streamed song from Dave’s album and Tems’ 13th track to reach that milestone—the most for any female African artist.
A Video That Changed Everything
The Nathan James Tettey-directed and Martha Nakintu-produced music video transformed ‘Raindance’ from album highlight to cultural moment. Shot across Lagos—from softly lit restaurants to pearly white beaches—the visuals depict Dave and Tems as what DIY Magazine described as “a contented, committed couple who only have eyes for each other.” Critics noted the footage “might as well be leaked wedding video footage.” The reaction on social media was immediate and intense. Fans zeroed in on close-up stares, near-kisses, and scenes that felt too real to be acting. “Y’all should just get married already mehnn,” wrote one user on X. Another observed: “After watching the video to Raindance, Tems and Dave actually make a cute couple.” Neither artist has confirmed anything beyond the music.
Behind the Style
The video’s fashion made headlines in its own right, particularly Tems’ wardrobe curated by Nigerian stylist Swazzi—who joined the project with less than 24 hours’ notice. “A day before the shoot, I was contacted and told they wanted me to style Tems,” Swazzi revealed. “At first, I thought it was a prank.” What followed was a sleepless night pulling pieces from designers across Lagos, many of whom altered garments overnight to fit the Grammy-winning singer. “I wanted something sleek and simple,” Swazzi explained. “I also wanted her in Nigerian designers—not costumes or just custom pieces, but real runway looks from collections.” When Tems finally saw the outfits on set, “she loved them, and everything fit perfectly.” For Swazzi, the project marked a career-defining moment: “It felt like a dream come true. This is just the beginning.”
The Album and Tour Context
‘Raindance’ appears as the fifth track on Dave’s third studio album, ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’, released in October 2025. The project debuted at number one in the UK and reached the Top 10 in 11 countries including Australia, Belgium, Ireland, and Nigeria. Writing for Clash, Robin Murray praised the collaboration, noting that Tems adds “beauty” to the song and that her vocals “are the perfect counterweight to Dave’s own.” Dave is set to embark on his headline world tour in February 2026, with over 215,000 tickets already sold—including four sold-out nights at London’s O2 Arena. The tour extends across Europe, North America, and Australia through June.
What It Means for Nigerian Music
For Tems, ‘Raindance’ adds to an already remarkable trajectory. The two-time Grammy winner—the first Nigerian woman to achieve that honour—has collaborated with Wizkid, Drake, Future, and Beyoncé. Her appearance on Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and her influence continues to reshape how African artists are positioned in global pop markets. As The Guardian (Nigeria) observed: “By bringing Dave to the streets of Lagos for the shoot, she continues to bridge the gap between the UK rap scene and the African continent.” The success of ‘Raindance’ reflects the continued presence of Nigerian artists at the top level of global charts, particularly in the UK market where Afrobeats-influenced records have seen consistent growth. Whether romance is involved or not, the music speaks for itself.
