Tinie Tempah returned to his former college yesterday to launch his new music recording studio and to give a surprise presentation to the performing arts students.

The English rapper gave the presentation at St Francis Xavier (SFX) 6th form College in Balham on Monday where he studied media, religious studies and psychology A level in 2007.

Wandsworth Times:

He began by stating to the students that it was “a truly a great college and he wasn’t paid to say that”.

He said: “It’s ok to not know what you want to do but you should be seriously thinking about it now.

Although he did not attend university, he “wishes he had” and students should think seriously about going.

He added the college was a “stepping stone for him and he loved being here”.

The students then had the opportunity to ask questions.

What advice do you have for setting up as a producer?

“Bug people on twitter. I’ve had people who message me again and again and again and again and finally I’ll give in.

“Or do something different, a quirky photo or video. Also use YouTube – stars are born on there.”

How do you get that winning song?

“You have to produce and produce, produce like mad.

“You can’t do it through just one song. Start with producing one, then go up to four then 10.

“I made 100 tracks for my recent album in order to have quality music. It’s like training for a marathon – you don’t just do it you have to train and start off on short runs and then build up.”

What is the song when you thought you’d made it?

“Wifey. And that was when I was 16. I remember coming into college and thinking yeah I’m there, I’m known. And people didn’t like that song.

How can you get famous?

“You’ve got to be different, stand out.

“People can get famous for ridiculous things – recently a girl rapper – I won’t say her name – she did a poo on Instagram and then people knew who she was. Depends on how you want to be seen.”

What advice can you give to be more confident?

“Confidence happens in stages. It comes from experience in the real world.

“Life helps you to build confidence. Everyone is nervous. I used to walk in a room and think why are people looking at me like that – it took me a while to realise that they were nervous too.”