From the energetic streets of Lagos, where creativity never sleeps, to the world’s biggest stages, the rise of Tems is one of the defining stories of modern African music. Her now-instantly recognizable sound—marked by soulful vocals and unwaveringly authentic songwriting—didn’t explode onto the scene by accident. Instead, it began with a fortuitous series of connections, hustle, and a moment that changed everything.
At the heart of this breakout was industry veteran and Nigerian rap giant, Wale “Tec” Davies—one half of the rap duo Show Dem Camp. Tec’s role in Tems’ journey, widely respected in Naija’s alternative (“alté”) community, turns out to be unexpectedly personal and significant.
In a recent candid interview shared on YouTube, Tec recounted how he almost stumbled into the story of Tems’ genesis as a superstar. The conversation shed light on how Nigeria’s music ecosystem can bring together talent and opportunity in the most unexpected ways.
The Phone Call That Sparked a Movement
Tec’s introduction to Tems’ music wasn’t planned. It wasn’t through the usual music industry channels. According to Tec, it was during a car ride with a girlfriend at the time, who randomly played Tems’ debut single, ‘Mr Rebel’—the song that would mark her as a force to watch.
Shocked by the sheer energy and soul in Tems’ vocals, Tec said, “Some girl I was dating at the time played me Tems’ song, ‘Mr Rebel’. I just remembered whoever this person is, is singing for their life…for freedom. It just felt so real.”
Feeling an immediate connection, Tec decided to research further. According to him, a look at Tems’ Instagram revealed she was already building her community through song covers and independent releases. It was clear: Tems had both talent and drive.
Driven by what many artists and producers describe as an “X-factor,” Tec wasted no time reaching out through mutual contacts. On Tems’ Instagram, he noticed a connection with Felicia, a friend from his Brighton university days. As fate would have it, Felicia turned out to be Tems’ cousin.
Tec’s efforts to support Tems didn’t stop there. He contacted Spax, a highly respected producer within Nigeria’s alté scene, to introduce him to Tems’ sound. Yet, when Spax heard the track, he was surprised—he already knew Tems, having worked with her previously. “Her voice was so distinct, he immediately recognized her… ‘I know this babe now… I drove her out of the studio last year,’” Tec said, illustrating the tight-knit nature of Nigeria’s creative community.
This reunion opened doors for initial collaborations, including Tems’ feature on LadiPoe’s song ‘Falling’, part of T.A.P (Talk About Poe), LadiPoe’s debut album. This exposure brought Tems into wider focus and embedded her in the Collectiv3 supergroup—an influential hub within the Nigerian alté music evolution.
Tec recalls Tems telling him how, for the first time, she felt accepted in a music collective without any negative experiences, suggesting the importance of safe, supportive creative communities for female artists in Nigeria. Her next big step came with Collectiv3 II and her breakout single ‘Try Me’, which took her from promising talent to mainstream favourite.
“She didn’t have a manager at the time”
As ‘Try Me’ readied for release, Tems remained fiercely independent, reportedly handling inquiries through her own email, disguised as that of her “manager.” When a deal arose with Jameson to sponsor video shoots for breakthrough artists, including Tems and DRB LasGidi, Tec stepped in to use his experience to negotiate on her behalf, ensuring she was properly compensated and promoted.
Tec’s industry knowledge was vital. In the corporate meeting, he “just stepped in to negotiate things for her,” according to his words, enabling a smooth, beneficial deal—something many emerging local artists find challenging in Nigeria’s highly competitive industry.
However, Tems’ creative independence remained unwavering. She reportedly rejected several video concepts that Tec suggested, choosing instead to lead her own direction for ‘Try Me’.
“All of her videos, she more or less directs them,” Tec said, reflecting on her strong artistic vision. She insisted on her own visual themes for the ‘Try Me’ video, collaborating with acclaimed director Demola Falomo to bring her ideas to life without compromise.
Following their successful teamwork during ‘Try Me’, Tems was struck by Tec’s protectiveness and understanding of the business. She asked him the defining question: “Why didn’t you just manage me?”
Tec expressed reservations, shaped by previous attempts at managing artists that had not always ended smoothly. “Because of my history with trying to manage artistes…I’ve worked with a lot of artistes in an informal capacity before. But whenever I try to formalize it, something comes up,” he explained, referencing his desire to avoid disappointing someone he genuinely respected.
He even shared how, years earlier, he had tried to sign then-unknown artist Ayo Jay, but circumstances got in the way. These experiences made Tec cautious about taking on formal management roles, particularly when personal connections intertwined with business.
“When she [Tems] came, I was a little bit weary. Also, I really like her as a person. I did not want to disappoint someone that I like as a person,” Tec recounted, illustrating why so many Nigerians find it hard to mix friendship with business.
Tec explained to Tems that a contract was essential for any legitimate management arrangement. Without hesitation, Tems sourced a contract herself—“I have no idea where she got it from,” Tec admitted with a laugh. Within a week, their official partnership was signed, a speed rarely seen in Nigeria’s music sector, which is often plagued by lengthy negotiations.
Tems was clear: she wanted Tec as her manager, highlighting how many emerging Nigerian acts must choose between trusted allies or industry outsiders to guide their early careers.
Soon after, to manage daily tasks as Tems’ career accelerated, Tec brought on Muyiwa Awoniyi, whom he trusted from their previous collaboration on Show Dem Camp’s Palmwine Music 2 EP, as co-manager.
The results were immediate. ‘Try Me’ caught fire, with its anthemic, rebellious message especially striking a chord with Nigerian women and young people who saw their own struggles and hopes reflected in Tems’ lyrics. As Tec himself put it, “It was angry. It was rebellious. There had been no song from a woman like that at the time.”
The Drake-Beyoncé Tipping Point
According to Tec, following a small concert in Lekki, the reaction was instant and intense: “People started chasing the car, knocking on the windows”—a signal of superstar status in Nigeria’s lively music culture.
From that moment, the pace only accelerated. Tec called Tems’ ascent “instant,” a development he said is rare in his nearly two decades of experience. The combination of local resonance with international appeal made her trajectory unique, reflecting a broader wave of Nigerian talent breaking global barriers.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Tec emphasized that Tems’ character made her journey sustainable: “Of all the artistes that I’ve ever worked with in my life, Tems has the biggest heart out of all of them.” Her generosity and groundedness have been frequently cited by those close to her in the industry.
With global milestones like a Grammy win on Future’s “Wait For U,” features with global icons Drake and Beyoncé, and a starring turn on Wizkid’s “Essence,” Tems’ influence now stretches well beyond African borders. Tec credits the duo’s “grace” and “discernment” for these achievements—qualities that, in his view, are as vital as talent.
Tec, who is known for his spiritual perspective, cited a remarkable coincidence: On the same day his short film “Lizard”—co-produced with filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr.—won at the Sundance Film Festival, Tems messaged him to share that both Beyoncé and Drake had reached out to her.
Tems’ story, as Tec tells it, is more than a journey from Lagos to Hollywood. It is proof of what can happen when an artist with talent and vision meets a support system with the right know-how and integrity, all within a community that values authenticity.
Beyond just music, her success is a beacon to other Nigerians, Ghanaians, and West Africans who dream of global recognition, showing the power of collaboration and cultural pride. As more artists from Africa’s creative hubs carve their own paths, Tems’ journey will no doubt serve as an inspiring template—reminding us all that the world is ready for more African voices, hearts, and stories.
What do you think about the evolution of Nigeria’s music scene and the role of true partnerships in creating global stars? Drop your thoughts in the comments and follow us for the latest stories. Want to get featured? Read our footer below!
Have a story you want to share or even sell? We love hearing from fresh voices and bold storytellers!
Reach out to have your experience featured or to discuss story sales at story@nowahalazone.com.
For general support or enquiries, contact us at support@nowahalazone.com.
Join the conversation and get daily updates on Nigerian and African entertainment by following us on
Facebook,
X (Twitter), and
Instagram!
What’s your favourite Tems track or moment? Share in the comments or tag us on social—let’s celebrate our music stars together!
