Muyiwa Awoniyi, manager to Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, aka Tems, recently shared a surprising story about their early days together. On the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, he revealed that when they first met, Tems had barely any money—just 200 Naira in her bank account. Despite her financial struggles, Awoniyi was impressed by her drive and dedication.

He recalled how, when he offered to manage her, she was so eager to formalize their partnership that she pushed him to sign the paperwork first—something he had never experienced before. Instead of a simple management deal, they decided to start a company together because he saw something unique in her. Before working together, they had been friends for about three months, during which Tems would quietly listen while he and his cousin chatted on his podcast.

Awoniyi said that even though Tems didn’t have a steady income, she would often order food for them, showing a generosity and spirit that set her apart from others he had met in Nigeria. Her hunger to succeed and her unique character convinced him she was different and worth the leap.