By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Muyiwa Awoniyi, manager to Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has revealed that the superstar’s journey to global fame began with nothing but sheer talent and just ₦200 in her account.
Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Muyiwa recounted the raw and humble beginnings of their relationship — a story that highlights not just Tems’ resilience, but her selflessness even in hardship.
“Back then when I was doing my podcast, she would just be sitting down while me and my cousin were talking. Obviously, she wasn’t financially buoyant in any capacity. When I met Tems, she only had about 200 Naira in her account,” Muyiwa recalled.
He described how her generosity left a lasting impression, especially considering her financial state at the time.
“If I had money, I would buy food. But another thing that shocked me was that even though she didn’t have money, she would order food for us. She didn’t even have a way of earning. So, I just realised that she is different from everyone I have seen in Nigeria,” he added.
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Muyiwa also opened up about how Tems’ professionalism and determination to formalize their collaboration convinced him that their connection went beyond a typical artist-manager relationship.
“When she asked me to be her manager, I agreed and said I would send her a contract to sign. We had already verbally agreed on everything. You know, when you present paperwork for artists to sign, it’s always tricky. But she was chasing me to sign my own part. And I have never experienced that before,” he said.
The bold move prompted him to offer more than just a contract.“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,’” Muyiwa explained.
The pair had been friends for about three months before even discussing business, but that friendship soon blossomed into a powerful creative partnership.
Today, Tems is recognized globally as one of the leading voices in Afrobeats and R&B — a far cry from the young woman who once sat quietly during podcast recordings with just ₦200 in her account.
