Dave Bridges UK Rap and Afrobeats on His Upcoming Album "The Boy Who Played the Harp"
Dave, the British rapper and songwriter, has always infused a Nigerian vibe into his music, blending London’s rap grit with Afro-inspired melodies. Born David Orobosa Michael Omoregi, Dave’s heritage continues to shape his sound and collaborations, reflecting both his roots and his global reach.
It’s been four years since Dave released his last studio album, We’re All Alone In This Together (2021). Now, he’s returning with his third studio project, The Boy Who Played the Harp, set to drop on October 24, 2025. The album features British singer James Blake, Nigerian star Tems, UK rap legend Kano, and fast-rising artist Jim Legxacy.
The official tracklist includes: “History” featuring James Blake, “175 Months,” “No Weapons” featuring Jim Legxacy, “Chapter 16” featuring Kano, “Raindance” featuring Tems, “Selfish” featuring James Blake, “My 27th Birthday,” “Marvellous,” “Fairchild,” and the title track “The Boy Who Played the Harp.”
Dave first gained global recognition with his debut album Psychodrama (2019), which won the Mercury Prize and introduced him as one of the most thoughtful lyricists in UK rap. That same year, he deepened his musical connection with Nigeria through “Location” his hit collaboration with Burna Boy. Produced by Jae5, the song seamlessly merged Afrofusion and UK hip-hop, becoming a cultural bridge between Lagos and London.
His second project, We’re All Alone In This Together (2021), took that connection further. Dave teamed up with Wizkid on “System” and BOJ on “Lazarus,” highlighting his respect for Nigeria’s evolving music landscape. The album also featured collaborations with Stormzy, Fredo, Ghetts, Giggs, and Snoh Aalegra, cementing Dave’s status as a genre-bending artist who balances depth with mainstream appeal.
In 2025, Dave’s upcoming album is expected to explore this cultural fusion even more. One of the most anticipated tracks, “Raindance” featuring Tems, promises to blend her soulful vocals with Dave’s introspective storytelling. Tems, known for her emotional delivery, adds a rich, spiritual layer that perfectly complements Dave’s poetic realism.
Over the years, Dave has also collaborated with several top Nigerian artists including BNXN (on “Propeller” with Jae5), Oxlade (on “Intoxycated”), and BOJ. Each partnership has felt organic, reflecting genuine respect rather than chasing commercial success. His music continues to show how deeply intertwined UK rap and Afrobeats have become,not just through sound, but through shared emotion, struggle, and celebration.
From Burna Boy’s fiery energy to Tems’ soulful calm, Dave’s journey proves that great music transcends borders. With The Boy Who Played the Harp, he isn’t just returning to the spotlight, he’s celebrating the connection between two powerful music cultures that have defined modern black excellence.
