Tempah noted that the Igbo nation has produced exceptional talents such as Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
By Kehinde Okeowo
English rapper and singer Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, popularly known as Tinie Tempah, has stated that the people of South East Nigeria are ‘intrinsically creative’, attributing his own success to his Igbo roots.
The award-winning 37-year-old artist shared these insights on Monday in a video posted to his official YouTube channel.
Tempah noted that the Igbo nation has produced exceptional talents such as Chinua Achebe, winner of the International Booker Prize, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who was also nominated for the prestigious award.
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The multi-platinum selling artist emphasised his belief that his talent was profoundly influenced by his ancestry.
“I am from the Igbo tribe and I do believe that there’s something very intrinsically creative about Igbo people,” he said.
“Growing up, I started to understand that a lot of Black authors from Nigeria—specifically from the Igbo tribe—have won the Booker Prize. That’s a global literary award. The likes of Chinua Achebe, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who featured on Beyoncé’s album as well, have been recognised by those awards.
“So, I think my talent and creativity have something to do with my heritage, lineage, and origin. And that’s beautiful,” Tempah added.
