Tems’ double Grammy wins have solidified her status as one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary music, seamlessly bridging African sounds with global audiences. But behind every groundbreaking artist is a team of visionaries dedicated to amplifying their talent. For Tems, that team includes Muyiwa Awoniyi ("Donawon") and Wale Davies—two music executives whose strategic acumen and unwavering support have been instrumental in her meteoric rise.

We caught up with Donawon and Wale Davies as they unpack their journey in music management, their philosophy, and what’s next for Tems.

Muyiwa Awoniyi (Donawon)

Early Days with Tems

You first met Tems at a Sons of Sonix recording session. What stood out about her? What caught my attention was how people were frustrated with her for rejecting beats she didn’t connect with. While others saw that as difficult, I saw someone who knew exactly what she wanted and wouldn’t compromise. That conviction resonated with me. What started as a five-minute conversation turned into a two-hour discussion. I knew I had found a kindred spirit.

Building Trust and Partnership

How did your friendship with Tems evolve into a professional relationship? We stayed in touch, and I offered her my space whenever she needed it. She didn’t have many friends, and as a result, she became like family. Two months in, she asked me to manage her. I eventually said yes, and we haven’t looked back since.

Management Philosophy

You pivoted from video production back to music management. What inspired that shift? I left music out of frustration, but meeting Tems felt different. Our values and philosophies aligned, making our connection deeper than just music. It felt like a life partnership, and time has proven that right.

Your approach to management focuses heavily on character. Why is that so important? Talent gets you in the room, but character sustains you. I see artists as people first, not just talent. My philosophy is simple: nurture the tree, not just the fruit.

How do you balance creative freedom with commercial success? Authenticity is the key to success. My role is to create an environment where artistry flows freely and then package that into a compelling story. When people believe in you, the money follows.

Global Breakthrough

Tems' collaboration on “Wait For U” with Future and Drake was a career-defining moment. What led to that opportunity? Our team operates as a collective. Wale Davies, our lawyer Wale Kalejaiye, and I brainstorm strategies before presenting them to Tems. That trust and alignment are crucial to our decision-making process.

How did winning her first Grammy influence your approach to her career? The Grammy was a milestone, but it didn’t change our game plan. Our goal has always been to establish Tems as her own brand and business. The award confirmed we were on the right path.

African Music Recognition

Tems won her second Grammy for Best African Music Performance. What does this mean to you? It’s a testament to her growth. Personally, I’m incredibly proud. Professionally, I see it as a responsibility—we’re inspiring a generation. Once the celebration ends, it’s back to work.

Why is global recognition of African music important African music has shattered barriers that once seemed impenetrable. The world is finally acknowledging our impact, and this is just the beginning.

Challenges and Growth

Managing an artist on a global scale must be challenging. What’s the biggest hurdle? Processing vast amounts of information quickly while making critical decisions. People don’t always factor in your mental or emotional state, but having a strong team makes the workload manageable.

How has working with Tems refined your artist development approach? I emphasize internal growth first. Music is an expression of lived experiences, so if the artist grows as a person, their music gains depth.

Future Plans

What’s next for Tems? We’re working on exciting projects that will further solidify her brand globally. My main prayer is that through everything we do, people see Jesus more than they see us.

Beyond managing artists, where do you see your impact in the industry? I launched a distribution company called Faceless, which operates on a unique model, and my initiative “Insights by Muyiwa Awoniyi” shares industry knowledge for free. Business development and structure are my focus.

Wale Davies

Introduction to Management

You’ve worn many hats—artist, producer, festival organizer, and filmmaker. What drew you to managing Tems? I’ve always loved being part of the creative process. When I first heard "Mr Rebel," it felt like she was singing for her life. I knew I had to help get her heard.

How does your diverse background influence your management style? It all connects—A&R, live shows, business strategy. My role is to build a structure around Tems so she can focus purely on creating.

Collaboration with Donawon

What makes your partnership with Muyiwa work so well? We’re aligned in our values and vision for Tems. We instinctively know which opportunities fit and which don’t. Our personalities also complement each other—he has a strong public presence, while I prefer staying behind the scenes.

Tems’ Rise to Fame

How do you maintain her artistic vision while navigating the industry? Tems leads with instinct. Our job is to amplify that vision while protecting it from external noise.

What aspects of her artistry resonate most with you Her ability to evoke deep emotion. Songs like "Love Me Jeje" tap into nostalgia and warmth, which makes them timeless.

Grammy Wins

What went through your mind when Tems won her second Grammy? A mix of pride, relief, and validation. We built this from the ground up, and now the world sees it.

Amplifying African Voices

How does managing Tems fit into your larger mission for African music? It’s about showcasing authentic African talent and influencing global culture. The world is finally paying attention, and we need to own our narratives.

What’s needed to ensure more African artists receive global recognition? We need to dig deeper into our own sound and heritage rather than trying to fit global trends. African music is the sauce—let’s champion it unapologetically.

Industry Insights & Future Vision

What challenges and opportunities do you see in the African music industry? Ownership is the biggest challenge. International entities are investing, but we need our own billionaires and VCs to do the same to maintain control over our music.

What’s your advice for young professionals entering the industry? Team up. Build companies, not just individual careers. Investors look for structure, not just talent.

Looking Ahead

What’s next for Tems? She’s only scratched the surface of her potential. Her journey is just beginning.

What legacy do you hope to leave? I want to add more bricks to the foundation laid by the OGs—moving with integrity, creating opportunities, and uplifting African music globally.