Kae Tempest, the acclaimed poet, rapper, novelist, and playwright, has been a defining voice in British arts for over a decade. Formerly known as Kate Tempest, they underwent a significant personal and professional transformation in 2020, changing their name and publicly embracing a non-binary identity. This article provides a comprehensive look at who Kae Tempest is, their creative output, personal life, and the journey that has shaped their career.
Kae Tempest’s work spans multiple disciplines — from spoken word performances that have won major literary prizes to Mercury Prize-nominated albums and a critically acclaimed play at the National Theatre. Understanding the full scope of their achievements requires looking at the person behind the art, including the name change, their evolving gender identity, and the creative milestones they have reached along the way.
Is Kae Tempest the Same Person as Kate Tempest?
Yes, Kae Tempest and Kate Tempest are the same person. The British artist formerly known as Kate Tempest announced in August 2020 that they would now go by Kae Tempest. The change was a deliberate step toward aligning their public identity with their internal sense of self.
- Name: Kae Tempest (formerly Kate Tempest)
- Born: 1985 (age 40–41)
- Pronouns: they/them and he/him
- Known for: Spoken word, poetry, music, novels (e.g., The Bricks That Built the Houses, Let Them Eat Chaos)
Key Insights About Kae Tempest
- Kae Tempest came out as non-binary in 2020 and changed their professional name from Kate to Kae.
- In 2025, they identified as a trans man while continuing to use they/them and he/him pronouns interchangeably.
- They are a multi-award-winning artist whose work spans poetry, hip-hop, theatre, and novels.
- Their personal life is kept relatively private; no confirmed public partner or spouse exists as of 2025.
- Kae Tempest’s work consistently explores social inequality, identity, urban life, and human connection.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kae Tempest (born Kate Tempest) |
| Date of birth | 1985 (exact date not publicly disclosed) |
| Place of birth | Westminster, London, England |
| Occupation | Poet, spoken word artist, rapper, novelist, playwright |
| Genres | Hip-hop, spoken word, poetry, literary fiction |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
| Notable works | Brand New Ancients, The Bricks That Built the Houses, Let Them Eat Chaos, The Line Is a Curve |
| Awards | Ted Hughes Award (2013), Mercury Prize nominations, Costa Book Award shortlist |
| Pronouns | they/them and he/him (used interchangeably) |
| Website | kaetempest.com |
The name “Kae” was chosen deliberately. It is an old English word pronounced like the letter “K” that means jay bird. According to Tempest, the jay symbolizes communication, curiosity, adaptation, and courage. The change was motivated by a desire to live with integrity and respect themselves after years of struggling to accept their identity, as documented in interviews with Write Out Loud.
Kae Tempest’s Personal Life: Partner, Marriage, and Relationships
Kae Tempest has spoken openly about being a “lover” who adores people and music, stating that every song they write is a love song. However, specific details about a current partner, marriage, or spouse remain private and are not publicly confirmed.
In interviews, Tempest has mentioned having partners and lovers in the past. They have also reflected on their youth, noting that many of their friends were straight men and that they lacked access to a queer community due to internalized homophobia. This context, shared in a 2025 interview with The Big Issue, helps explain the personal journey that preceded their public transition.
What About a Spouse or Wife?
No public information confirms that Kae Tempest is married or has a wife. No records of a marriage exist in publicly available sources, and the artist has not addressed this aspect of their personal life directly. The lack of information is consistent with Tempest’s general approach to maintaining boundaries around intimate relationships.
Kae Tempest has not publicly confirmed a current partner or spouse. They have spoken in interviews about past relationships and their journey toward self-acceptance, but details about their present personal life remain private. This is respected by their fan base and the media outlets that cover their work.
Kae Tempest’s Biography: Age, Birthplace, and Early Life
Kae Tempest was born in 1985 in Westminster, London, and grew up in Brockley, Southeast London, as one of five children. Their early environment in the city would later become a central theme in much of their writing.
Education and Early Career
At age 16, Tempest was accepted into the Brit School for Performing Arts and Technology, the same institution that has produced numerous prominent British artists. It was during this period that they began developing their distinctive voice as a poet and performer.
Awards and Recognition
In 2013, Tempest won the Ted Hughes Award for the poetry collection Brand New Ancients. The following year, they were named one of the 2014 Next Generation Poets by the Poetry Book Society. These early accolades established Tempest as a significant literary talent before they had even released their first novel or album.
What Books, Poems, and Albums Has Kae Tempest Created?
Kae Tempest is a prolific artist whose output spans poetry collections, novels, studio albums, and a produced play. Their work has been nominated for some of the most prestigious awards in British music and literature.
Poetry Collections
- Everything Speaks in its Own Way (2012) — debut poetry book
- Brand New Ancients (2013) — winner of the Ted Hughes Award
- Let Them Eat Chaos — nominated for Costa Book of the Year in Poetry
- Self Titled — poetry collection released alongside the album of the same name
Novels
Tempest’s debut novel, The Bricks That Built the Houses (2016), became a Sunday Times best-seller and won the 2017 Books Are My Bag Readers’ Award. A second novel, Having Spent Life Seeking, is scheduled for publication on April 30, 2026, as confirmed on their Instagram profile.
One work of non-fiction has also been published, though details are less widely documented than their poetry and fiction.
Albums and Music
Kae Tempest has released seven studio albums as of 2026. Notable releases include:
- Everybody Down (2014) — nominated for the Mercury Music Prize
- Let Them Eat Chaos (2016) — nominated for the Mercury Music Prize
- Self Titled (released July 4, 2025) — fifth studio album, nominated for a BRIT Award
The single Freedom! ’25’ was released alongside the Self Titled album, as reported by Gay Star News.
Play
In 2021, Tempest’s play Paradise — a new adaptation of Sophocles’ Philoctetes — opened at the National Theatre to positive reviews.
Kae Tempest’s books and albums are widely available through major bookstores and music platforms. No official free PDFs of their poetry collections are authorized, though excerpts occasionally appear on their official website and social media channels. The official Kae Tempest website is the most reliable source for news, tour dates, and direct purchases.
Kae Tempest currently uses they/them and he/him pronouns interchangeably. In 2025, they identified as a trans man while maintaining that both pronoun sets remain appropriate depending on context. This reflects an evolving understanding of their own gender that continues to develop over time.
Key Milestones in Kae Tempest’s Life and Career
- 1985: Born in Westminster, London, as Kate Tempest.
- 2000s: Begins performing spoken word and poetry across London.
- 2012: Releases debut poetry collection Everything Speaks in its Own Way.
- 2013: Wins the Ted Hughes Award for Brand New Ancients.
- 2014: Releases debut novel The Bricks That Built the Houses.
- 2016: Releases album Let Them Eat Chaos.
- 2020: Announces name change from Kate to Kae and comes out as non-binary.
- 2021: Play Paradise opens at the National Theatre.
- 2025: Releases album Self Titled and identifies as a trans man.
- 2026: Publishes second novel Having Spent Life Seeking.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Kae Tempest
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Kae Tempest was formerly known as Kate Tempest. | The exact date of birth is not publicly disclosed. |
| They are non-binary and use they/them and he/him pronouns. | Current relationship status and partner identity are not publicly confirmed. |
| They are a published author, poet, and musician with multiple award nominations. | Whether they are married or have a spouse is unconfirmed. |
| Their birth year is 1985 and they grew up in Brockley, London. | The specific reasons for the name change (privacy, gender identity) are not explicitly detailed beyond general statements about integrity. |
| They have released seven studio albums and multiple poetry collections. | Availability of free PDFs of Kate Tempest poems is not officially authorized. |
Why Does the Name Change Matter?
Kae Tempest’s name change reflects a broader cultural shift toward visibility and acceptance of non-binary and transgender artists in mainstream media. By choosing a name rooted in old English — “Kae” meaning jay bird, a symbol of communication and courage — Tempest made a deliberate statement about living authentically.
The ongoing search interest in “Kate Tempest” indicates that many readers and listeners still seek out earlier works released under the former name. This creates a unique situation where an artist’s past and present identities coexist in the public consciousness, requiring careful navigation by publishers, streaming platforms, and media outlets.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Kae Tempest?
The most authoritative source for biographical information is the Wikipedia article on Kae Tempest, which is regularly updated and cites interviews and official sources. The official website kaetempest.com provides direct information about releases, tour dates, and biography from the artist themselves.
Interviews with major outlets such as The Big Issue and the YouTube channel featuring Tempest’s performances offer firsthand insight into their thinking and creative process. Social media profiles on Instagram provide the most up-to-date announcements about new projects.
“Kae Tempest (born 1985), formerly Kate Tempest, is an English spoken word performer, poet, recording artist, novelist, and playwright.”
— Wikipedia
“Kae Tempest is a recording artist, lyricist, performer, author, playwright, and poet.”
— Official website
What Is the Full Picture of Kae Tempest?
Kae Tempest is a singular figure in contemporary British arts — equally at home on a poetry stage, a music festival, or a theatre production. Their journey from Kate to Kae, from debut poet to multi-award-winning novelist and musician, reflects an artist committed to both personal authenticity and creative exploration. With a new novel and album arriving in 2025 and 2026, Tempest continues to evolve, leaving audiences and critics alike anticipating what comes next. For a deeper look at their full career, visit the Kae Tempest (formerly Kate Tempest) page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Kate Tempest poems PDF?
No official free PDFs are available. Poetry collections can be purchased from bookstores or online retailers. Some poems are shared on the official website and social media channels.
What is Kae Tempest’s new album called?
The most recent album, released July 4, 2025, is titled Self Titled. It was nominated for a BRIT Award.
When did Kae Tempest perform at the National Theatre?
Tempest’s play Paradise, a reinterpretation of Sophocles’ Philoctetes, opened at the National Theatre in 2021.
What award did Brand New Ancients win?
The poetry collection Brand New Ancients won the Ted Hughes Award in 2013.
Does Kae Tempest have siblings?
Yes, Kae Tempest grew up in Brockley, London, as one of five children.
What is the meaning of the name Kae?
“Kae” is an old English word for jay bird, symbolizing communication, curiosity, adaptation, and courage.
What are Kae Tempest’s pronouns?
Kae Tempest uses they/them and he/him pronouns interchangeably depending on context.
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Adam Pryor is Managing Editor at StoryNative.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.