Dave review: Prodigious teenage talent on path to rapping glory

The rising star shines on stage in Camden
Track star: Dave delivers a standout set at Koko
Ashley Verse
Elizabeth Aubrey11 December 2017

“In life, you make that choice,” south London rapper Dave told the crowd at Koko. “You go for it, or you don’t.” Dave — full name David Santan — is certainly going for it. With two critically acclaimed EPs, a collaboration with Drake and a Mobo for best British newcomer under his belt, the 19-year-old, pictured, has an enviable list of early achievements. He demonstrated why with last night’s breathtaking performance of How I Met My Ex.

Crammed full of complex imagery and emotive lyricism, the song, taken from his latest EP Game Over, is an autobiographical, deeply emotive account of a failed relationship. Dave rapped continuously for more than seven minutes without slipping a single bar, giving the track all the drama of a Shakespearean soliloquy and gripping the sold-out audience with his elegant storytelling style.

On 71 and Question Time he swapped the personal for the political. “You brought the heart of the nation to its knees,” he sang on the latter, his biting words aimed squarely at Theresa May. It elicited huge cheers from the young audience and its issues clearly chimed — most of them seemed to know every word.

His stage presence and passion were formidable all evening. He delivered song after song with a breathless, urgent ferocity reminiscent of Kate Tempest and Loyle Carner.

In little more than two years, Dave has proved himself to be a prodigious talent. “This is what happens when you go for it!” he beamed before Attitude. He is well on his way to becoming one of the most renowned rappers of his generation.

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