Few grime MCs have earned the kind of universal, cross-generational respect that Tempa T commands.
Tempa T is one of grime’s most unmistakable voices. Originating from Forest Gate in East London, the MC — born Nicky Nyarko-Dei — first made his name as a member of the Slew Dem crew before breaking out as a solo artist with a style defined by relentless energy, aggressive wordplay, and a stage presence unlike anything else in the genre. His 2009 single Next Hype, produced by Darq E Freaker, became an instant anthem of the UK underground — a track so viscerally charged it crossed generational lines and remains a guaranteed crowd detonator more than fifteen years on.
FROM UNDERGROUND ANTHEM TO CULTURAL FIXTURE
Next Hype didn’t just make Tempa T’s names it cemented him as one of grime’s most enduring figures. The track opened the door to collaborations with some of the biggest names in UK electronic and urban music, including a feature on Chase & Status’ Hypest Hype from their second album No More Idols, and a verse alongside JME on Lethal Bizzle’s Rari WorkOut, which peaked at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and earned a BPI Gold certification. In 2015, his single Shell reached number one on the BBC Radio 1Xtra Grime Chart, where it held the top spot for eight consecutive weeks.
Across three albums — All-Star Pars, Pree the Baitness, and It’s Bait It’s Bait — Tempa T has continued to build a catalogue that balances raw grime energy with an unmistakable sense of humour and personality. He has also appeared on screen, playing himself in the 2010 British film Shank and appearing in 2016’s Gangsters, Gamblers and Geezers.
A NEW CHAPTER: COURVOISIER AND THE 2026 LIVE SHOW
Tempa T’s latest single Courvoisier, a collaboration with producers Badger and Efan released in late 2025, marks a sharp new direction. Sitting at 140 BPM and rooted in the UK bassline and garage sound currently tearing through clubs across Europe and beyond, the track has racked up over a million streams on Spotify and generated significant traction on social media, with the press pack reporting over 100 million engagements across Instagram and TikTok. It’s a track that has been picked up widely by DJs across the 140 and bass music circuit, bringing Tempa T to a fresh wave of audiences alongside the loyal fanbase that has followed him for over a decade.
Now deep in the studio putting together a brand new live set of fresh material for 2026, Tempa T is gearing up for the next phase. With his trademark energy, a catalogue of anthems, and a new sound that connects with both grime veterans and the bass music generation, he remains one of the most exciting and bookable live acts on the UK circuit.
WHY BOOK TEMPA T
Tempa T delivers something rare: a live performance with genuine unpredictability and energy that can’t be faked. His shows draw on a catalogue of tracks that span nearly two decades of UK underground music, from grime anthems to bass-heavy new material, and his reputation as a crowd favourite is built on years of headline sets, festival appearances, and moments that audiences don’t forget. Whether it’s a club show, a festival stage, or a brand event looking for authentic cultural energy, Tempa T brings the hype — and always has.
Tempa T is available for live performances, festival bookings, brand partnerships and event appearances.