In a revealing and heartfelt conversation on a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Muyiwa Awoniyi, manager of Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi—popularly known as Tems—opened up about the singer’s humble beginnings and the pivotal moment that marked the start of their professional journey together.
Awoniyi, who has played an instrumental role in shaping Tems’ meteoric rise in the global music scene, recounted their first meeting, painting a portrait of a determined, self-aware artist whose resolve and authenticity instantly stood out, despite her financial hardship at the time.
“When I met Tems, she had just 200 naira in her account,” Awoniyi said, reflecting on their early days. “She wasn’t financially buoyant in any capacity. I had a production company then, so if I had money, I’d buy food. But even when she didn’t have money, she would still order food for us. That really shocked me. She didn’t even have a way of earning, but her mindset and generosity were different. I just realized—this person is not like anyone else I’ve met in Nigeria.”
Their relationship, according to Awoniyi, began purely as a friendship. For the first few months after they met, there were no discussions about management or business. Tems would simply be around while he and his cousin recorded a podcast. She remained in the background—quiet, observant, but present.
“Back then, when I was doing my podcast, she would just be sitting down while me and my cousin were talking,” he recalled. “We were just friends. We never discussed working together.”
But that dynamic changed when Tems eventually approached Awoniyi and asked him to manage her career. While many would have jumped at the opportunity with formal contracts in hand, Awoniyi said it was her approach to the agreement that truly left a mark on him.
“She asked me to be her manager, and I agreed. I told her I would send her a contract to sign. We had already verbally agreed to everything,” he explained. “You know, when you present paperwork for artists to sign, it’s always tricky. There’s usually hesitation. But she was chasing me to sign my own part. And I had never experienced that before.”
This rare display of initiative and professionalism from Tems sparked something deeper in Awoniyi. It wasn’t just about artist management anymore. He saw a bigger picture, a long-term partnership founded on trust, vision, and mutual respect.
“I was like, ‘You don’t mind signing paperwork? Hold on, let’s not do this. You’re someone I can rock with for life. Let’s start a company.’”
This turning point marked the foundation of a partnership that would evolve into one of the most impactful in recent Nigerian music history. From that moment on, Awoniyi and Tems became more than manager and artist—they became business partners, co-piloting a journey that would eventually see Tems breaking boundaries both locally and internationally.
Tems’ story has since become one of resilience, talent, and visionary collaboration. She has gone on to achieve remarkable success, including a Grammy Award and collaborations with global superstars such as Drake, Future, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. Yet, her manager’s recollection of their early struggles serves as a powerful reminder that every great journey often begins with unremarkable means—but also with unmistakable conviction.
For Awoniyi, the experience has also been transformational. “There was something she did that made me think—this is different. This is not just business. This is purpose,” he shared on the podcast.
The story resonates far beyond the music industry. It is a testament to belief—believing in one’s self, and in others—even when the resources aren’t there. It’s about recognizing greatness before the world sees it and being willing to nurture it through uncertainty.
In an industry where talent often struggles to find the right platforms or partners, the synergy between Tems and Awoniyi serves as a model of what can be achieved when artists and managers operate not just from contracts, but from shared vision and trust.
Today, Tems is not only known for her soulful voice and genre-defying sound but also for her authenticity, humility, and artistic independence. These were traits evident even when she had little to her name.
As fans continue to celebrate her rise, stories like these shed light on the foundation of that success—the unseen struggles, the faith, the small acts of kindness, and the moments of courageous partnership that helped build her career.
And for young creatives—whether in music or any other field—her journey is a powerful reminder: talent may open the door, but character and commitment keep it open.
From N200 in her account to performing on the world’s biggest stages, Tems’ evolution is nothing short of inspiring. And thanks to voices like Awoniyi’s, the world gets to see the full picture—not just the glamour, but the grit and grace behind the glory.
