British-Nigerian rapper, producer, and songwriter Dave, also known as Santan Dave, will perform his first-ever headline shows in Nigeria on October 16 and 17 at the Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos. These performances will conclude his global The Boy Who Played the Harp tour.
Presented by Live Nation and MASSIVE, the highly anticipated events mark a significant milestone for both the artist and Nigerian audiences. Lagos, renowned for its vibrant energy, creativity, and influence across music, fashion, nightlife, and art, continues to shape global culture through the worldwide impact of Afrobeats and a new generation of African creatives. The shows bring one of the most important voices in contemporary British music to one of Africa's most culturally influential cities.
Cultural Significance and Venue
The announcement coincides with a renewed spotlight on the iconic Wole Soyinka Center for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre. This historic symbol of Nigeria's artistic heritage is experiencing a revival, reinforcing Lagos' growing position as a global destination for music, entertainment, and large-scale cultural experiences.
For Dave, whose parents are Nigerian, the performances carry deep cultural significance. At 27, he has become one of the most influential artists of his generation, recently making history as the first and only UK rap artist to debut three consecutive studio albums at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. He holds multiple BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello Award, and critically acclaimed projects.
Ticket Information
Tickets go on sale with an artist presale beginning Monday, June 8 at 10 a.m. local time. The general onsale starts Tuesday, June 9 at 10 a.m. local time exclusively via SANTANDAVE.COM. To participate in the presale, fans must sign up at santandave.lnk.to/Lagos.
About Dave
Dave's meteoric rise includes becoming the youngest recipient of an Ivor Novello Award in 2017 and earning the first No. 1 by a sole writer and producer in eight years with 'Starlight' in 2022. His third studio album, The Boy Who Played the Harp, released on October 24, 2025, received critical acclaim. With previous albums Psychodrama and We're All Alone In This Together both reaching No. 1, and four No. 1 singles, Dave has forged a unique path where excellence is a prerequisite.
Psychodrama (2019) won Best Album at both the BRIT Awards and the Mercury Prize, a rare achievement. The album also coincided with his acting debut in Netflix's Top Boy. We're All Alone In This Together (July 2021) became the biggest first-week UK sales across all genres in two years, achieving Platinum status. The tour includes stops in Australia, Europe, South Africa, and now Lagos.
