Explainer: The Super Team Powering Tems’ Ascent

Last week, the internet went bonkers after Nigerian singer, Tems received her BET Awards for Best International Act and Best Collaboration for her contribution to Wizkid’s Essence remix. While everyone was taking in the win and Tems artistic progression, a few eyebrows were raised at the two men who accompanied her on stage. With that in mind, we take a look at who those men are, the roles they have played in Tems’ progression, and the larger team behind one of the greatest rises we have seen in the Afrobeats era. 

Wale ‘Tec’ Davis

One half of Nigerian rap duo, Show Dem Camp, Tec has varied experience within the music industry. Christened Wale Davies, he has racked up a repertoire of skillset ranging from artiste to talent management, record label owner, media and production company owner, and video and film director. After studying at the University of Brighton in the United Kingdom, and working in finance in Amsterdam, he returned to Nigeria to pursue his creative exploits. Tec teamed up with Ghost after linking at a rap battle and the duo under the Show Dem Camp base have incubated and released the critically acclaimed Clone Wars and Palmwine Music series.  He is co-founder of the media and production company, Fatherlandlive. He also won the prestigious Sundance award for narrative short, Lizard (2020). 

Tec is one-half of Tems’ management team. Their relationship dates back to 2018 when the rapper heard Tems’ first song Mr. Rebel through a mutual friend and requested a meeting. They have also parlayed their relationship into collaborations as they did on 2019’s Palm Wine Express. Tec’s insights as an artist and now executive will surely serve him well in such a role.  

Muyiwa Awoniyi

Muyiwa Awoniyi is the other half of Tems’ managerial roster. Known for his eponymous podcast The Donawon Pod, he has interviewed artists like Naeto C, Sarz, Oxlade, and Omah Lay. He cut his teeth managing Nonso Amadi when he first found mainstream success. 

In a piece of music folklore, Awoniyi was the recipient of a phone call from Rotimi Rudeboy who passed the message that Wizkid wanted to see him. He took Tems along with him and it would culminate in Tems appearing at Wizkid’s Starboy Fest and eventually, the studio session where Essence was cut. 

Dunsin Wright

Dunsin Wright is a consultant, creative director, fashion influencer, and stylist. She was previously the head of Public Relations at luxury African brand, Lisa Folawiyo. Since joining the team as a stylist, she has overseen the sartorial choices and styling that have helped set her apart as seen with her recent partnership with Tommy Hilfiger. Her outfit choices have varied from Britain’s Vaseghia to Lagos brand, Kadijuofficial. For the 2022 BET Awards, she styled Tems in a black dress designed by Turkish-British fashion designer, Dilara Findikoglu. 

Deeds Art

Roderick Ejuetami known by the alias Deeds Art is a creative director and photographer. He’s also managed by Muyiwa Awoniyi and has been a constant fixture along Tems’ path to greatness. He functions as an in-house photographer and documentrarian and helps capture Tems visually. Asides from working closely with Tems, Deeds has photographed Nigerian A-list artists like Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and Burna Boy. He owns a consulting agency, Deeds studio, and a publication, Deeds Magazine.