Award-winning British rapper and singer Tinie Tempah has opened up about his Igbo roots, crediting his ancestry with inspiring his creative talents.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel on Monday, Tempah spoke about the rich artistic legacy of the Igbo people, citing celebrated Nigerian authors such as Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as examples of exceptional talent emerging from the community.
“I am from the Igbo tribe, and I do believe there’s something very intrinsically creative about Igbo people,” he said.
The multi-platinum artist noted that learning about the achievements of Black Nigerian authors, particularly those from the Igbo tribe, helped him appreciate the connection between his heritage and his own creativity. He highlighted Achebe, winner of the Booker Prize, and Adichie, who also featured on Beyoncé’s album, as examples of globally recognized talent.
“So, I think my talent and creativity have something to do with my heritage, lineage, and origin. And that’s beautiful,” Tempah added.
His remarks underscore the influence of cultural and ancestral heritage on artistic expression and have sparked conversations about the global impact of Nigerian creatives across literature and music.
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