Spotify has unveiled its annual Songs of Summer predictions for 2026, releasing a list of 30 tracks its editorial team believes will define the season across the Northern Hemisphere.
Tems is on it and not through a solo release. Also not through a lead single off a new album. Impressively, she makes the list through “Raindance,” a track by British rapper Dave of which she featured.
It may not sound like the kind of thing that makes an impression but consider this.
While most artists need their name above the title to move headline, Tems keeps building traction as a feature and leaves her mark in every one of them. It happened on Future’s “Wait for U,” which became one of the defining songs of 2022. It happened on Drake’s “Fountains.” It is happening again on “Raindance,” a song that carries Dave’s name on the cover but Tems’ fingerprints all over its emotional core.
She is also tying Burna Boy for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries by a Nigerian artist, a feat she accomplished on the back of collaborations as much as solo work.
What makes the Spotify placement particularly significant is the company it keeps. The 2026 Songs of Summer list spans artists from Drake and Ariana Grande to Ghanaian duo DopeNation. Their Amapiano-Azonto blend “Kakalika” is already blowing up, with footballers worldwide using it for viral goal celebration videos. Somehow Tems has earned her way into the list without releasing a new solo music.
The Full List of Song of the Summer Nominees
1. ‘Talk to You’ – ANOTR, 54 Ultra
2. ‘CHÉVERE (premium_remix)’ – ARIA VEGA, Ryan Castro
3. ‘hate that i made you love me’ – Ariana Grande
4. ‘New Religion’ – Bebe Rexha, Faithless
5. ‘Kingdom of Fear’ – Cameron Whitcomb
6. ‘Bangaranga’ – DARA
7. ‘Raindance’ – Dave ft Tems
8. ‘Freakin’ Out’ – Dexter and The Moonrocks
9. ‘Babydoll’ – Dominic Fike
10. ‘E85’ – Don Toliver
11. ‘Kakalika’ – DopeNation
12. ‘Janice STFU’ – Drake
13. ‘Choosin’ Texas’ – Ella Langley
14. ‘NOBLE’ – F3miii
15. ‘L.U.C.K.Y’ – Fcukers
16. ‘Jamaican (Bam Bam)’ – HUGEL, SOLTO
17. ‘Mexico Honey’ – Kacey Musgraves
18. ‘Earrings’ – Malcolm Todd
19. ‘Maladie’ – Mauvais djo
20. ‘Doors’ – Noah Kahan
21. ‘drop dead’ – Olivia Rodrigo
22. ‘KOKO’ – Omar Courtz
23. ‘Girl Like Me’ – PinkPantheress
24. ‘Free Your Mind’ – Prospa, Cloonee
25. ‘Rein Me In’ – Sam Fender ft Olivia Dean
26. ‘DANCE…’ – Slayyyter
27. ‘Boston’ – STELLA LEFTY
28. ‘Dracula (JENNIE Remix)’ – Tame Impala, JENNIE
29. ‘Self Aware’ – Temper City
30. ‘Midnight Sun’ – Zara Larsson
