Kenya Grace Enters History Books as ‘Strangers’ Climbs to No. 1 In U.K.

Lars Brandle
·2 min read
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Kenya Grace bags her first No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart with “Strangers,” and, at the same time, earns a piece of history.

The South Africa-born, U.K.-raised artist completes her coronation with “Strangers” (via FFRR/Major Recordings/Warner), a drum ‘n’ bass special, which reaches the top in its sixth week on the chart.

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In doing so, she becomes just the second female artist to reach the summit with a song performed, written and produced entirely solo. The first to do it was, of course, Kate Bush, whose 1985 number “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” completed a remarkable chart-topping turn in 2022, powered by Stranger Things’ fourth season.

According to the Official Charts Company, U.S. artist Tori Amos came close with her 1997 club monster “Professional Widow (It’s Got To Be Big),” which reached No. 1 but was boosted by a remix from DJ Armand Van Helden.

The leader at the midweek stage, “Strangers” becomes the first chart debut by a British female artist to reach No. 1 in almost a decade, since Ella Henderson’s 2014 release “Ghost.”

As predicted, “Strangers” ends Doja Cat’s five-week reign with “Paint the Town Red” (Ministry of Sound) which tumbles 1-12.

Coming in at No. 2 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, published Friday, Oct. 13, is Casso, RAYE, D-Block Europe’s “Prada” (Ministry of Sound), up two places for a new peak position, while Tate McRae’s “Greedy” (Ministry of Sound) holds at No. 3, its peak spot.

Thanks to the release of his chart-leading new album For All The Dogs (via OVO/Republic Records), Drake bags the highest entry on the latest singles chart. Actually, the Canadian hip-hop star secures the three top debuts with “First Person Shooter” featuring J Cole (at No. 4), “IDGAF” featuring Yeat (No. 5) and “Virginia Beach” (No. 6), boosting his total of U.K. top 10 hits to 44.

Finally, South African Afrobeats star Tyla rushes up the climb with “Water” (RCA), lifting 10-7, and Sonny Fodera, MK and Clementine Douglas crack the top 10 for the first time with “Asking” (Solotoko) up 11-10.

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