By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Tems’ manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, shared a revealing story about their early days, on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast.
He recalled that when they first met, Tems was struggling financially, with only N200 in her bank account. Despite her financial situation, Awoniyi was impressed by her determination and dedication.
Awoniyi said, “There was something Tems did that made me say, ‘I don’t want to do a managerial contract with you, let’s do a company.’” He was struck by her eagerness to formalize their partnership, noting that she was keen to sign paperwork while he was still hesitant.
The two had been friends for about three months before discussing a working relationship. Awoniyi, who was hosting his podcast at the time, would often have Tems sit in on conversations with his cousin. Despite her financial struggles, Tems would sometimes order food, showcasing her generosity.
Awoniyi’s admiration for Tems’ character led him to propose a long-term partnership. He said, “You’re someone I can rock with for life. Let’s start a company.” This marked the beginning of their successful collaboration.
