The Boy Who Played the Harp was more than a concert. It was a statement. Dave’s influence stretches far beyond music and Melbourne’s response proves that it is only continuing to grow. Known for his hyper-literate lyricism, politically consciousness and emotionally accessible storytelling, Dave delivered a phenomenal performance that reminded everyone exactly why he is one of the defining voices of his generation.
David Orobosa Omregie, better known as Santan Dave, emerged from the UK’s underground grime and rap scene before rapidly becoming a global force. Dave has built his reputation through honesty. His work sits between introspection and social commentary, treating music less as entertainment and more as therapy. Through layered instrumentals and deep personal narratives, Dave has built an artistry that continues to resonate across audiences and continues to push the boundaries of contemporary rap.
Opening with ‘History’, Dave wasted no time bringing Rod Laver Arena to life. Welcoming Melbourne fans back with a short speech of gratitude for his long-awaited return Down Under, Dave quickly launched into ‘No Weapons’, ‘Verdansk’ and later ‘Clash’, sending the Melbourne crowd into full voice as the arena bounced with every chorus. From performing to a smaller crowd of 900 seven years ago to now a full stadium, the anticipation was high.
What stood out was Dave’s ability to command attention without relying on stage theatrics. There was confidence in the simplicity, and he moved across the stage with ease, allowing his music and delivery to remain the focus. Every pause, instrumental break and crowd interaction felt deliberate and natural, rather than rehearsed.
Switching it up, Dave slowed the pace with a live piano performance of ‘Both Sides of a Smile’, creating one of the Melbourne evening’s more intimate moments. The track then transitioned into another side of his artistry and reminded everyone of Dave’s lyrical composition with fan favourites including ‘Location’, ‘Thiago Silva’, ‘No Words’ and ‘Professor X’. Each track brought its own energy whilst maintaining the momentum of the night.
Later, while standing on a podium with only a sample pad, Dave delivered ‘Victory Lap Freestyle’, one of the night’s strongest moments with this stripped back and direct version with the attention naturally shifting to his lyricism and stage presence.
At the final stretch and playing tribute to his tour, ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’ wrapped up the Melbourne night perfectly before Dave hyped up fans once more, stating that he has many more songs and that he could keep going.
Watching Dave perform almost continuously with barely a break, the comment was no exaggeration. Matched by enthusiastic Melbourne fans who rapped every lyric word for word, the atmosphere became less of a concert and more of a shared experience passionately built on collective devotion. Dave brought one viral hit after another with his collaborative hit with Central Cee ‘Sprinter’, followed by ‘Raindance’ that featured Tems. For a nostalgic finish, he concluded the Melbourne concert with ‘Starlight’ which sampled from Frank Sinatra’s ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, giving Melbourne patrons one final moment to sing together before the arena emptied.
Supported by a live band, Dave brought immense energy to the Melbourne stage. While the instrumentals occasionally overpowered his vocals, his performance highlighted something recordings could not fully capture. His presence, endurance and connection with the audience showed exactly why The Boy Who Played the Harp sold out and why Dave remains an artist best experienced live.
Proudly presented by Live Nation Australia, Dave brought his highly anticipated return sold-out The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour to Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on June 23, 2026. The tour will head next to Perth’s RAC Arena on Saturday 27th of June, where the Australian tour will conclude.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.livenation.com.au/dave-tickets-adp16021
https://santandave.com/tour
https://www.instagram.com/satandaveofficial
Photography supplied by Live Nation Australia.
