Muyiwa Awoniyi, manager of Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has revealed that the global superstar had only ₦200 in her bank account when they first met.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Awoniyi shared insights into the humble beginnings of their professional relationship, highlighting Tems' exceptional character despite her financial constraints.

"When I met Tems, she only had like 200 Naira in her account," Awoniyi disclosed. "And then I had a production company. So, if I had money, I would buy food. 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."

Awoniyi explained that he was so impressed by Tems' integrity and approach to business that he proposed forming a company together rather than a standard management contract.

"When she asked me to be her manager, I agreed and said I would send her a contact to sign. We had already verbally agreed for everything," he said. "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."

This unusual eagerness to formalize their agreement prompted Awoniyi to reconsider their arrangement. "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.'"

Before their professional partnership, Awoniyi revealed they had been friends for about three months without discussing working together. "Back then when I was doing my podcast, she would just be sitting down while me and my cousin are talking," he recalled.

Awoniyi concluded by emphasizing what set Tems apart: "I just realised that she is different from everyone I have seen in Nigeria."

Tems has since risen to global prominence, winning a Grammy Award and collaborating with international stars, marking one of the most remarkable success stories in Nigeria's music industry in recent years.