Tinie Tempah
O2 Academy, Birmingham
Concert review by Chris Davies

Last February, this South London-born rapper released his debut single. This February, he picked up two Brit awards.

It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for Tinie Tempah and, as he bounded onto the stage last night at Birmingham’s o2 Academy to a capacity crowd, it was clear from the outset why this 22-year-old’s rise to fame has been so rapid.

Backed by a superbly tight group of musicians and DJ Charlsey, he proceeded to put on a show that would put many other much more established artists to shame.

From the first big number, Wonderman, a collaboration with Ellie Goulding, he engaged with the audience completely, saying: “I’ve played all over the country, but this show in Birmingham has got to be the best yet.”

After urging everyone to take a picture of the night after new track, Snap, he launched into a set of tracks where band and DJ took turns to outdo each other.

By the time the unmistakeable synth bassline of White Isle anthem, From Miami 2 Ibiza kicked in, the whole crowd, including those on the sidelines and at the bar, was jumping up and down frantically.

While many performers seem content to walk on stage, perform their set and leave as quickly as possible, Tinie, real name Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, Jr, appeared more than willing to invest time in the people that have put him there in the first place.

And, as he invited shellshocked youngster, Shirvani, on stage to celebrate her 15th birthday by holding his two cherished Brit awards, he displayed a humility that was both endearing and mesmerizing.

“If I could bring all of you on stage tonight, I would,” he exclaimed.

As an audience of all ages melted to the opening notes of debut single Pass Out, no-one was left in any doubt that he meant it.