The album opens with a therapist’s voice. Over the next hour, a young man from south London talks about his brother in prison, his mother, his faith, racism and fame. In 2019, it won the Mercury Prize.
The album was Psychodrama, and the rapper was Dave.
Streatham
Dave, born David Orobosa Omoregie, grew up in Streatham, south London, the son of Nigerian parents. His older brothers were imprisoned while he was young, an experience that shaped his music.
He taught himself piano and began releasing music online as a teenager.
Early success
Dave’s early singles and EPs won attention for their detailed storytelling. His collaboration with AJ Tracey, “Thiago Silva”, became a fan favourite, and his song “Funky Friday” with Fredo reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 2018.
Psychodrama
Psychodrama, released in March 2019, was structured as a series of therapy sessions. Songs such as “Black”, “Lesley” and “Psycho” dealt with identity, abuse, family and mental health.
“Lesley”, an eleven-minute story about a young woman in an abusive relationship, was widely praised for its storytelling.
The Mercury Prize
In September 2019, Psychodrama won the Mercury Prize for the best album from Britain or Ireland. Dave dedicated the win to his brother and spoke about how the album had been his own form of therapy.
The Brits
At the 2020 Brit Awards, Dave performed “Black” at the piano and added a new verse that criticised the government and the treatment of Meghan Markle in the press. The performance was widely discussed.
Later work
His second album, We’re All Alone in This Together, was released in 2021 and also received critical acclaim. His collaboration with Central Cee, “Sprinter”, became one of the biggest UK rap songs of 2023.
The piano
Dave often performs at the piano, which sets him apart from many rappers. The instrument gives his songs a reflective tone and has become part of his stage image.
Acting
Dave has also acted, appearing in the Netflix series Top Boy, which drew on London life similar to his own.
Nigerian roots
Dave has referenced his Nigerian heritage in his lyrics, and he is part of a generation of British-Nigerian artists who have changed UK music.
The therapist’s chair
Rap is often about bravado. Dave won Britain’s most respected music prize by recording himself in a therapist’s chair, talking honestly about what hurt.
