David Orobosa Omoregie, professionally known as Santan Dave or simply Dave, is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on June 5, 1998, making him 26 years old, and he was born in South London, United Kingdom. Dave is of Nigerian descent, with his family originating from Edo State, Nigeria, specifically the Benin ethnic group.
His parents migrated from Nigeria to the United Kingdom in search of better opportunities, a journey that laid the foundation for the dual identity that strongly influences his music today. Growing up in a working-class household in South London, Dave encountered social inequality, family instability, and the realities of inner-city life at a young age. These lived experiences shaped his worldview and later became central themes in his storytelling, giving his music emotional depth and social relevance.
Dave Education and Early Career
Dave attended St Mark’s Academy in Mitcham before enrolling at Richmond upon Thames College, where he studied law, philosophy, ethics, politics, and sound design. His academic background sharpened his analytical thinking and directly influenced the depth and structure of his lyricism.
He began writing music at age 11, inspired by watching his older brother practice rapping at home. At 14, he taught himself how to play the piano after receiving a keyboard from his mother, expanding his creative range beyond writing into musical composition. Dave later secured admission to De Montfort University to study law but made a deliberate decision not to attend, choosing instead to pursue music full-time.
In 2016, he released his debut EP Six Paths, followed by the viral success of “Thiago Silva” featuring AJ Tracey. That same year, Drake premiered a remix of Dave’s “Wanna Know” on OVO Sound Radio, introducing him to a global audience and significantly accelerating his rise.
Dave Major Life Events
Dave’s life took a deeply traumatic turn during childhood. His father was deported to Nigeria when Dave was only a few months old due to visa complications, leaving the family separated and vulnerable. His mother fled with his siblings to avoid deportation, and the family later experienced homelessness, spending time sleeping on buses across South London.
During his teenage years, both of Dave’s older brothers were imprisoned. One received a life sentence under the UK’s joint enterprise law, while the other served a prison term for robbery. These events profoundly shaped Dave’s emotional development and worldview, experiences he later explored with brutal honesty and clarity in his music.
In 2017, Dave released his second EP Game Over, led by the politically charged track “Question Time,” which openly criticized the British government. The song won him an Ivor Novello Award, making him the youngest-ever recipient at age 19 and marking a major turning point in his career.
Dave Professional Achievements
Dave released his debut studio album Psychodrama in 2019 to widespread critical acclaim. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, recorded the largest first-week streams for a UK rap album, and won both the Mercury Prize and Album of the Year at the BRIT Awards.
That same year, Dave made his acting debut in Netflix’s Top Boy, expanding his influence beyond music. His performance, alongside his contributions to the soundtrack, reinforced his reputation as a multidimensional storyteller.
In 2021, Dave released We’re All Alone in This Together, which again debuted at number one and broke multiple UK streaming records. Tracks like “Clash,” “Verdansk,” “In the Fire,” and “Starlight” dominated the charts, with “Starlight” becoming one of the most successful solo rap singles in UK history.
In 2023, Dave released “Sprinter” with Central Cee, a record-breaking single that became the first UK rap song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. The success continued with their collaborative EP Split Decision.
In 2025, Dave released his third studio album The Boy Who Played the Harp, which debuted at number one, making him the first UK rap artist to debut three albums at number one.
One of the standout tracks from this era, “Raindance” featuring Tems, sparked widespread conversation. The collaboration blended Dave’s introspective lyricism with Tems’ soulful delivery, earning millions of streams across Spotify and Apple Music and reinforcing his ability to create globally resonant music through cross-cultural collaboration.
Dave Personal Life
Dave keeps his personal life largely private. He rarely discusses romantic relationships publicly but speaks openly through his music about family, mental health, and emotional vulnerability. Despite being born and raised in London, he maintains a strong connection to his Nigerian and Benin heritage, often reflecting on identity, displacement, and belonging in his work.
Outside music, Dave supports Manchester United F.C. and actively participates in philanthropy. He has used his platform to raise nearly £500,000 for humanitarian causes, including relief efforts for Palestine, Congo, and Sudan, through merchandise sales and music releases.
Dave Legacy and Impact
Santan Dave has redefined British rap by proving that intelligence, vulnerability, and activism can coexist with mainstream success. His music bridges personal trauma with political commentary, creating space for honest conversations around race, mental health, immigration, and systemic injustice.
As a Nigerian-British artist of Benin (Edo) origin, Dave stands alongside artists like Rema and Shallipopi, representing the growing global influence of Benin-rooted Nigerian talent. While their sounds differ, they collectively spotlight Edo heritage on the world stage, reinforcing the cultural richness of the region.
Dave’s influence extends beyond charts and awards; he has reshaped how rap functions as a tool for emotional truth, social commentary, and generational storytelling in the UK and beyond.
Conclusion
Santan Dave’s journey reflects resilience, discipline, and purpose. From a childhood marked by displacement, loss, and instability to global acclaim and artistic leadership, Dave has consistently transformed pain into power. His story proves that success does not come from avoiding struggle, but from confronting it with honesty, courage, and intention.
As he continues to evolve, Dave’s legacy remains clear: music can heal, challenge systems, and inspire generations when it speaks honestly.
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