Tinie Tempah: Biography
Tinie Tempah is an English rapper, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur and television presenter who became one of the leading figures in British popular music during the early 2010s.
Early Life
Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, professionally known as Tinie Tempah, was born on 7 November 1988 in London. He grew up in Plumstead, South London, in a Nigerian-British family.
Tempah developed an interest in music while he was young and began recording and performing as a teenager. Before achieving mainstream success, he released independent music and built a following within London’s underground music scene.
Disturbing London
In 2006, Tempah and his friend Dumi Oburota established Disturbing London, an entertainment company that initially focused on music.
The company later expanded into other areas, including fashion and business, becoming an important part of Tempah’s career beyond recording and performing.
Breakthrough
Tempah’s breakthrough came in 2010 with the release of Pass Out. The single reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and won the BRIT Award for Best British Single.
He followed the success of Pass Out with Frisky and Written in the Stars, featuring Eric Turner. Written in the Stars also reached number one and became one of Tempah’s signature songs.
Disc-Overy
Tempah released his debut studio album, Disc-Overy, in 2010. The album reached number one in the UK and produced several successful singles.
His second album, Demonstration, followed in 2013 and included songs such as Trampoline and Children of the Sun.
His music combines elements of UK grime and hip-hop with electronic and dance-pop influences.
Television and Business
Tempah has also developed a career outside music. He has presented and appeared on television programmes and has become involved in fashion, property and entrepreneurship.
Through Disturbing London and his other ventures, he has developed a business career alongside his work as a recording artist.
From his beginnings in South London’s underground music scene to multiple number-one singles and major awards, Tinie Tempah has become an established figure in British music and popular culture.
