In an unexpected twist of gratitude, Muyiwa Awoniyi, manager to Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems, rewarded an X (formerly Twitter) user with a $2,000 cash gift — not for fan art, but for defending the artist with grace and clarity during a tense online debate.
It All Started with a Clapback
On June 3, Tems addressed trolls who made unsolicited comments about her body. While the internet split into camps of critics and defenders, one user took a measured and respectful stand, explaining why the backlash was unwarranted and problematic.
Her thoughtful words caught the attention of Tems’ manager — and he didn’t just hit like.
“For Having a Lot of Sense…”
In a move that stunned fans, Muyiwa slid into the defender’s DMs with a $2,000 cash reward (over ₦1.2 million), tweeting: “Sent her $2K for having a lot of sense. I’m out.”
No PR stunt. No contest. Just a manager rewarding a moment of public intelligence with real money — and sparking a conversation about how fan culture, when rooted in respect, can be powerfully rewarding.
Rumor vs Reality
The act of kindness was later twisted into viral misinformation, with some outlets incorrectly reporting that Tems herself gifted ₦3 million to a fan who crocheted her portrait. But the truth was simpler — and in some ways, more impactful.
What It Shows
Respect Pays Off: Being articulate and civil online can pay.
Tems’ Circle Walks the Talk: Beyond the music, they value emotional intelligence and empathy.
The Internet Needs Accuracy: Misreporting a gesture can distract from its real message — that kindness and clarity matter.
Final Note
In a social media age flooded with trolls and takedowns, Tems’ team chose to uplift a rare voice of reason—with cold, hard dollars. The message? Loyalty isn’t just noticed, it’s appreciated. And sometimes, it comes with a digital transfer alert.
