Chart-topping singer Raye brought a burst of vibrant colour to a snow-dusted east London street this week, powering through freezing conditions to film a high-energy new music video. The 28-year-old artist shut down a road in Walthamstow on Tuesday to shoot the top-secret project, undeterred by sub-zero temperatures and wintry rain.
A Spectacle in the Snow
Dressed in a striking hot pink velvet gown, Raye twirled and danced animatedly alongside her backup dancers, who also wore vibrant looks. The scene was so unexpected that excited locals peered through windows and the local postman reportedly stopped in his tracks to watch the spectacle unfold. A film crew captured the action on a street that had been specially cordoned off, with a fake zebra crossing painted on the tarmac for the shoot.
A source close to the production told The Sun: "While most people stayed at home because the weather was so cold, Raye was a total trooper and got to work on a big, top-secret new video. It was so cold out there but she was dancing and singing in this velvet dress like a total pro." Residents had only been informed the road was being closed for filming, with the identity of the star kept under wraps until she arrived on set.
Riding a Wave of Chart Success
The energetic filming session comes hot on the heels of a major career milestone for the singer-songwriter. Just last week, Raye clinched the first UK Number One single of 2026 with her hit track 'Where Is My Husband?'. The song finally reached the summit after a dramatic 15-week climb up the charts, marking her second UK chart-topper following 2023's smash hit 'Escapism'.
Raye celebrated the achievement in dramatic style at home, sharing a series of joyful Instagram pictures. In one, she beamed while clutching her shiny trophy; in another, she punched the air in delight. The track, which is set to feature on her forthcoming 2026 studio album, also represents her 20th Top 40 single in a career spanning over a decade.
A Hard-Won Journey to the Top
This latest success is the culmination of a remarkable and hard-fought career resurgence. Born Rachel Agatha Keen, Raye initially signed with major label Polydor but faced years of frustration as album releases were repeatedly delayed or shelved. After speaking openly about feeling creatively stifled, she made the pivotal decision to break away and rebuild her career independently.
Teaming up with independent distribution label Human Re Sources, Raye took full creative and commercial control of her music. This move proved transformative, allowing her to release music on her own terms and reconnect directly with her audience. Her determination was laid bare in a candid interview for the second series of Louis Theroux Interviews, where she discussed the emotional toll of her early label battles.
That resilience has now paid off spectacularly. From critical acclaim for her debut album '21st Century Blues' to record-breaking wins at the Brit Awards and now a triumphant return to the top of the singles chart, Raye's story stands as one of the music industry's most inspiring comebacks. Her brisk work in the Walthamstow snow signals that for Raye, the momentum of 2026 is only just beginning.
