Tems’ Humble Beginnings: From Having Only Ksh16 to Grammy Glory

Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known globally as Tems, rose from humble beginnings to become a Grammy Award-winning artist.

Her manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, revealed that when they first met, Tems had just ₦200 (approximately KSh 16) in her bank account, a testament to her modest start.

Muyiwa shared this inspiring backstory on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, reflecting on their early connection. “Tems stood out in a way no one else in Nigeria had,” he said.

At the time, Muyiwa was running a podcast, and Tems would sit quietly while he and his cousin recorded. “Financially, things were tough for her—she had no real income. I later learned she had only ₦200 to her name,” he recalled.

Despite her financial struggles, Tems displayed remarkable generosity. Muyiwa noted that she often provided food for them, even with her limited resources.

“It shocked me,” he said. “She had no stable income, yet she shared what little she had. That was truly special.”

Tems’ character and determination left a lasting impression on Muyiwa. Her proactive approach to their professional partnership further solidified his belief in her potential.

“She approached me about being her manager, and I agreed,” Muyiwa explained. “I promised to draft a contract, but unlike most artists who hesitate over paperwork, Tems kept following up, urging me to sign it. That was a first.”

Her dedication inspired Muyiwa to propose a deeper collaboration. “I told her, ‘Let’s not just do a manager contract—let’s build a company together.’ It was clear she was someone I could partner with for the long haul,” he said. Interestingly, their friendship had blossomed for three months before any professional discussions began.