British rapper Dave, also known as Santan Dave, has secured his first-ever entry on the Billboard Hot 100 following the debut of his collaboration with Nigerian singer Tems, “Raindance,” at No. 89 on this week’s chart.
The milestone marks a significant moment in Dave’s career, as his commercial success has previously been centred largely in the UK and Europe.
Dave Praises Tems After Billboard Breakthrough
Reacting to the achievement, Dave took to his Instagram Story to thank Tems for her contribution to the song’s global impact, referring to her as “the GOAT.”
The acknowledgment highlights Tems’ growing influence in pushing African and UK collaborations onto the global stage.
‘Raindance’ From The Boy Who Played The Harp
“Raindance” was released in October 2025 as part of Dave’s album The Boy Who Played the Harp. The track blends Dave’s introspective rap style with Tems’ melodic vocals over an Afrobeats-influenced production.
The song gained early traction in the UK, where it reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in January 2026. The achievement marked Dave’s fourth UK chart-topper and Tems’ first.
Viral Momentum Drives US Crossover
After months of steady streaming growth, “Raindance” crossed over into the United States, driven by viral momentum and strong digital performance. Its Billboard Hot 100 debut represents Dave’s first appearance on the chart.
Dave’s Career And Global Expansion
Throughout his career, Dave has earned multiple BRIT Awards and enjoyed consistent commercial success in the UK, including several No. 1 singles. Beyond music, he has also expanded into acting, starring in the Netflix series Top Boy.
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