Tems has just etched her name into the history books.
The Nigerian singer has become the first African female artist to top the Official UK Singles Chart, thanks to her collaboration with British rapper Dave on “Raindance.”
The milestone marks a huge moment not just for Tems, but for Afrobeats and African music as a whole.
Released as part of Dave’s 2025 album, The Boy Who Played the Harp, “Raindance” didn’t explode overnight. Instead, the song followed a steady climb. It debuted within the Top 40 before gradually building momentum over the months.
A viral social media challenge, combined with a visually striking music video shot in Lagos, helped push the track into wider global conversation.
After sitting at Number 2 the previous week, “Raindance” finally claimed the top spot on Friday, overtaking Djo’s “End of Beginning.”
Critics have praised the record for its seamless blend of Dave’s reflective lyricism and Tems’ rich, soulful delivery, calling it a perfect fusion of UK rap and African musical influence.
While African male artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy have enjoyed consistent success on UK charts, no African female artist had ever reached Number 1 until now.
Tems had previously come close with major international hits such as “Essence” with Wizkid and “Wait For U” alongside Future, both of which made significant global impact without topping the UK chart.
For Dave, “Raindance” becomes his fourth UK number 1 single, adding to an impressive list that includes “Funky Friday,” “Starlight,” and “Sprinter.”
For Tems, however, this moment stands as a landmark achievement, one that further confirms her status as a global force and a trailblazer for African women on the world stage.