Tems’ manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, also known as Donawon, has sparked controversy for his comments about Nigerian music consumers.
On May 23, 2024, Awoniyi posted on X (formerly Twitter), making a statement perceived as dismissive towards Nigerians. He wrote, “We are not here to entertain you. You only happened to be entertained.” This comment appeared to be directed at Nigerian fans and was seen as condescending.
Awoniyi, known for his outspoken Christian faith, followed up by saying that regardless of public opinion, people would witness the work of a perfect God. His post seemed to be in response to recent criticism of Tems’ performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which some viewers described as underwhelming.
Please understand. We are not here to entertain you, you just happen to be entertained. With or without your opinions, you will sit down and watch what happens when a perfect God uses imperfect humans.
— Muyiwa Awoniyi (@IAmDonawon) May 23, 2024
The post led to a backlash, with many accusing Awoniyi of disrespecting Nigerian fans. This incident has reignited discussions about the significance of Nigerian music consumers in Tems’ rise to international fame, especially following her breakout contribution to Wizkid’s hit “Essence.”
Despite the controversy, Tems continues to make strides in her career. She is set to release her debut LP, “Born In The Wild,” in June 2024. The album, which reflects her personal growth and experiences, follows the release of three singles, the latest being “Love Me Jeje.”
Additionally, Tems has been nominated in two categories for the 2024 BET Awards, underscoring her ongoing impact and success in the music industry.
