After four years away from solo music, Dave has released a new album, The Boy Who Played the Harp, and announced a tour in 2026
AllHipHop.com
AllHipHop.com has been a pioneer in hip-hop news since 1998. Get our daily email for exclusive breaking news and a weekly digest, all curated for true hip-hop lovers. Stay connected and on the pulse of hip hop culture. Subscribe now!
subscription
Dave has released his third studio album The Boy Who Played the Harp and announced a UK and European tour in 2026, ending a four-year personal hiatus with a project packed with heavyweight features and personal reflections.
The South London rapper’s 10-track release includes appearances from Nigerian singer Tems, genre-bending producer James Blake, British rap legend Kano and rising star Jim Legxacy.
Announced in October 2025, the album marks Dave’s first full solo project since 2021’s We’re All Alone In This Together.
In an Instagram post announcing the project, Dave reflected on the creation of the project in an emotional post, writing: “After a few years of soul-searching, I want to say thank you to everyone who made this possible… My mom raised me and gave me my name and destiny.”
He also thanked his fans for their unwavering loyalty during his time away from music, saying, “You have literally saved my life during my time away from music… I wake up every day thinking of you, I write letters, I pray for you, and I speak life into your lives every day I walk this earth.”
The 27-year-old rapper described the project as deeply spiritual and purpose-driven, adding, “I want to thank God for taking a scared little boy to try to explore the world and giving him the opportunity to help others and protect us all.”
View this post on Instagram
Dave’s past releases have earned critical acclaim and commercial dominance.
His 2019 debut album Psychodrama won the Mercury Prize and topped the UK Albums Chart. His second album also hit #1 and went platinum. In 2023, his joint single “Sprinter” with Central Cee broke multiple records and became the longest-running rap single in the UK.
In addition to music, the 27-year-old artist remains active in philanthropic endeavors. In December 2023, he helped raise more than $633,000 for children affected by conflicts in Palestine, Sudan and Congo.
He also supports his mother’s Juliet O’s Foundation, which provides care for elderly patients in London and Surrey hospitals.
Dave announces UK and European tour
As part of his upcoming tour, Dave will return to the stage in February 2026 for a number of dates across the UK and Europe.
The shows will be his first major concerts since he turned his focus to performances and charity work during a long break from releasing solo music.
View this post on Instagram
