Tinie Tempah has been appointed a patron of Music Venue Trust (MVT), joining the organisation’s campaign to protect and support grassroots music venues across the UK.
The award-winning rapper, songwriter and entrepreneur has spoken about the importance of smaller venues to his career, having emerged from South London’s grime scene before achieving international success with hits including Pass Out, Written In The Stars, Not Letting Go and Girls Like.
His career has earned him two BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello Award and seven UK Number One singles.
Tinie’s appointment comes as he prepares to release his fourth studio album, The Night’s Not Dead, on vinyl, CD and cassette on 6 November 2026. The record arrived digitally in October, marking his first album in nine years.
Described as a celebration of nightlife, shared experiences and underground music culture, the album reflects the musical environments that helped shape his career.
Tinie Tempah highlights importance of grassroots venues
Tinie has already worked with Music Venue Trust and Save Our Scene to raise awareness of the pressures facing independent music spaces. He also performed at MVT’s Everywhere At Once festival.
Speaking about his appointment, he recalled celebrating the success of his breakthrough single Pass Out at London venue 229.
“Grassroots music venues are a huge part of my story. The night ‘Pass Out’ went to Number One, I was celebrating at 229 on Great Portland Street, surrounded by the people who’d been coming to my shows from the start. That’s where I put in my 10,000 hours, where I learned my craft, built my confidence and connected with fans. Without them, I genuinely worry about where the next generation of artists will come from. I’m really proud to become a patron of Music Venue Trust.”
Mark Davyd, CEO and founder of Music Venue Trust, welcomed the appointment, pointing to the role smaller venues play in helping artists develop before reaching larger audiences.
“Tinie Tempah’s career demonstrates exactly why grassroots music venues matter. These are the spaces where artists find their voice, develop their skills and build the audiences that can take them to the world’s biggest stages. We’re delighted to welcome him as a patron.”
Tinie joins Music Venue Trust’s existing patrons
Tinie joins a group of existing MVT patrons that includes Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, Jamie Cullum, Chris Hawkins and Ciaran Lavery.
His appointment also comes during a run of UK shows supporting The Night’s Not Dead, with the tour scheduled to conclude at London’s Roundhouse on 3 December 2026.
Music Venue Trust continues to campaign for the protection of the UK’s grassroots venues, which provide performance opportunities for emerging artists and established musicians alike.
