SMALL by name, but by no means nature - chart-topping rapper Tinie Tempah will be headlining Poole’s inaugural Sandfest at Sandbanks this Sunday.

The London-born artist is known to be a big fan of the area and back in 2011 was rumoured to be looking to buy a property in the exclusive neighbourhood known as millionaire’s row.

Following his first visit to the area six years ago, Tinie who spent his early years in London’s tough Walworth area, said Sandbanks had exceeded his expectations for England.

The rapper said at the time: “My favourite place is Sandbanks. I went there and I didn’t even believe I was in England.”

Poole was also the place that helped to launch Tinie’s career which went on a stratospheric rise after he performed at the town’s former live music venue Chords back in 2010.

His debut single, Pass Out, shot straight to number one in the pop charts selling over 750,000 copies in the UK alone. His follow up single Written In The Stars also made the coveted number one slot.

The rapper, singer and songwriter has been signed to Parlophone Records since 2009, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

He created his own record and fashion label Disturbing London Records in 2007 along with his cousin, Dumi Oburota.

After releasing a number of mixtapes, he released his long-awaited debut album, Disc-Overy, in October 2010. The album charted at number one and was certified platinum the next year.

In February 2011, he won two Brit Awards for Best British Breakthrough Act and Best British Single and the rest is history.

Not bad work for a rapper who first financed his career selling double-glazing.

“Eight hundred quid I spent on my first video, it took me ages to save that up,” says Tinie, who was born Patrick Okogwu.

“I went to work at a double glazing company doing telesales, I used to ring up people and try to sell them windows. You’ve gotta get the money somehow,” he laughs.

Tinie enjoyed school, unlike many MCs, but he feels grime artists are often unfairly stereotyped.

“Tinchy Stryder’s got a degree, for people who don’t know that, Chipmunk’s got his A levels, and they all come from good homes and they’re all very eloquent,” says the 28-year-old.

“I don’t really understand this whole stereotype, I’m just me and if people like that then that’s good.”

But just how important is chart success for the hip-hop star?

“I always think about the bigger picture,” he admits.

“I mean just because you’ve had like a number ten or a number one today doesn’t mean you’re gonna be around next year.”

And what about that name?

“I was in year eight and started looking at guys like Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Stryder, Sharky Major and thought, hey this whole first and last name thing really works, I need to get me one of those.

“So I flicked through a thesaurus in a citizenship lesson and Tinie Tempah was born.”

Around 5,000 revellers are expected to attend Sandfest - Poole’s new outdoor summer festival on Sunday which runs from 2pm to 10pm.

Other headline acts include a Faithless DJ set as well as renowned international DJs and other live acts.

Event organiser and co founder Ty Temel, who is based in Bournemouth, said that Sandfest could be the most talked about event of the summer.

He told The Guide: “We are very excited to bring a very unique concept of a daytime outdoor beach event to the iconic and internationally famous beach of Sandbanks.

The team have been working very hard behind the scenes and we can’t wait to show you who we’ve secured to play the beach event.”

Faithless known for their electrifying dance tracks, will also be joined by Jay Welch, K1R3Y, DJ Luck & MC Neat and Big Narstie.

Ty added: “Imagine the scene - 5000 people enjoying the sounds of some of the worlds best DJs and live acts, in an amazing arena with funky food stalls and fully licensed bars and facilities for eight glorious hours in the sunshine.”

For more details, or to book tickets, visit sandfest.co.uk