Dave’s “The Boy Who Played the Harp” Tops Apple Music Charts in 28 Countries

British rapper Dave’s third studio album The Boy Who Played the Harp has reached number one on Apple Music in 28 countries, including the United Kingdom, Jamaica, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Barbados. The album, released on October 24 through Neighbourhood Recordings, extends the artist’s reputation for combining introspective songwriting with detailed production and social observation.

The record has performed strongly across Africa, the Caribbean and Europe, topping the charts in territories such as Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Botswana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Sierra Leone, South Africa, St. Lucia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. It also entered the top three in Canada, France, Finland and Norway, and the top five in Australia, Germany, Turkey and New Zealand. In the United States, the album debuted at number sixteen, a notable achievement for a UK rap release distributed independently.

With a run of 47 minutes, ‘The Boy Who Played The Harp’ earned 15.2 million streams in its first full day of release on Spotify. It features contributions from James Blake, Tems, Kano and Jim Legxacy. Its tone is reflective and deliberate, with piano-led production and orchestral flourishes. The title draws from the biblical story of David playing the harp for King Saul, an image that aligns with the record’s themes of balance, discipline and faith. Lyrically, Dave revisits questions of legacy, race and self-perception. “History,” featuring Blake, and “Raindance,” featuring Tems, both juxtapose ambition with vulnerability, while “My 27th Birthday,” the longest track on the album, offers an unguarded portrait of the artist in transition.

Critics have responded favourably. The Guardian described the album as “a stunning display of lyrical mastery and emotional intelligence.” The Times called it “a commanding, stately return,” observing that Dave “moves through creative complexity with composure.” Rolling Stone UK said the record “cements Dave as one of the UK’s best storytellers.”

On iTunes, The Boy Who Played the Harp reached number one in the Cayman Islands and Zimbabwe, number five in the UK, and placed within the top fifty in Canada, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates and Italy.

The album’s production credits include Dave, Dom Maker, Fraser T. Smith, James Blake, Jim Legxacy, Jo Caleb, Kyle Evans and Jonny Leslie. Instrumentation was provided by Eleanor Turner on harp, Leon Foster Thomas on steel pans and Daniel Casimir on double bass. The record was mastered by Joe LaPorta at Sterling Sound, with Dave taking on additional roles as producer and guitarist.

Following the success of his 2023 collaboration with Central Cee, Split Decision, and the chart-topping single “Starlight,” Dave’s latest release consolidates his position as one of Britain’s most accomplished recording artists. A European arena tour is scheduled for early 2026.

The Boy Who Played the Harp is available on streaming platforms and in physical formats including CD, vinyl and cassette through Neighbourhood Recordings.