Tems Achieves Milestone On The UK Singles Chart

Tems has achieved a significant milestone in music history. The Nigerian singer has become the first African female artist to reach the top of the Official UK Singles Chart, due to her collaboration with British rapper Dave on the track “Raindance.”

This achievement is notable not only for Tems but also for Afrobeats and African music overall.

“Raindance,” featured on Dave’s upcoming 2025 album, The Boy Who Played the Harp, did not become an instant hit. Instead, it experienced a gradual rise in popularity, debuting within the Top 40 and gaining momentum over several months.

A viral social media challenge, along with a visually appealing music video filmed in Lagos, contributed to the song’s increased visibility on a global scale.

After previously holding the Number 2 position, “Raindance” reached the top spot on Friday, surpassing Djo’s “End of Beginning.”

Critics have commended the song for its effective combination of Dave’s introspective lyrics and Tems’ rich and soulful vocal performance, describing it as a successful fusion of UK rap and African musical elements.

While male African artists such as Wizkid and Burna Boy have had ongoing success on UK charts, no African female artist had previously attained Number 1 until now.

Tems came close with international hits like “Essence” with Wizkid and “Wait For U” with Future, both of which made a significant impact globally without reaching the top of the UK chart.

For Dave, “Raindance” marks his fourth UK number 1 single, joining an impressive list that includes “Funky Friday,” “Starlight,” and “Sprinter.”

For Tems, this achievement underscores her status as a prominent figure in the global music scene and as a pioneer for African women in the industry.