When I met Tems, she had just ₦200 in her bank account, yet her heart was full of generosity and vision — this was the powerful revelation made by her manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, during an episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast.

Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, has risen to become a Grammy-winning artist, but her journey began with remarkable humility and resilience. Muyiwa shared details about the early days of their friendship and eventual partnership, emphasizing how her personality and drive set her apart.

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From ₦200 to Stardom: When I Met Tems

“When I met Tems, she only had about 200 Naira in her account,” Muyiwa recalled. “She didn’t have a source of income at the time. Yet, when I was doing my podcast and didn’t have much either, Tems would sit quietly and even offer to buy food for us.”

He added, “That blew my mind. She had nothing, but she would still share what she didn’t have. That’s when I knew she was different from everyone else I had met in Nigeria.”

Building a Legacy Together

The turning point came when Tems expressed interest in working formally with Muyiwa. What followed wasn’t just a typical artist-manager relationship — it evolved into a lasting business partnership.

“She asked me to be her manager, and I agreed,” Muyiwa said. “I prepared a contract, but to my surprise, she was chasing me to sign my own part. That had never happened before. Most artists hesitate when it comes to paperwork, but not her.”

He continued, “That moment made me realize I didn’t want to just manage her. I said, ‘Let’s start a company.’ Her energy, honesty, and drive made me see a long-term vision with her.”

More Than Music: Tems’ Rising Influence

Today, Tems is not just a celebrated voice in Afrobeats; she’s a symbol of hard work, talent, and authenticity. From the moment “when I met Tems” to building a business with her, Muyiwa’s story reflects the determination that fuels their success.

Tems recently delivered a stunning performance at the Dreamville Festival, further cementing her global presence.

This inspiring journey reminds us that greatness often comes from the humblest beginnings — and that the right people can elevate each other to new heights.