Into Her Life: Temi

Temitope Olowo-Ake or as she’s more fondly called, Temi, is an AnR, graphics designer and brand marketer. For Into Her Life, Temi discusses DiscoveryDeck and what it feels like to be in the Nigerian creative industry.

Q: Let’s get to know you, who is Temi?

Temi: Oh wow. I don’t think I’ve been asked this before😂. Temi is the full definition of a creative. An embodiment of so many exciting imaginations, waiting to come to fruition.

Q: Interesting. So, you do not have boundaries when it comes to your creativity?

Temi: Not at all. As long as it piques my interest. I go all for it.

Q: So DiscoveryDeck, it’s your baby, right?

Temi: Discovery Deck is like the last born and favourite child of all my creative kids 😂 . And that’s because it’s attached to a lot of hopes and dreams. Discovery Deck helps a lot of emerging artists lend an extra voice on the streets. I’ll always tell people that Discovery Deck is a movement. We’re fighting for a lot of these underground artists to be heard by as many as possible.

Q: Which other creative kids do you have?

Temi: I’ve got a few design brands. Desk 24′ is where I give birth to my graphic designs and there’s a t-shirt line coming soon. So, you can watch out for that. 

Q: What made you get into the industry?

Temi: At first, I honestly didn’t want anything to do with the industry yunno? Discovery Deck started with just a list of 5 songs every week and an Audiomack playlist. I felt it was unjust that a lot of people didn’t get to hear these talents pouring out massively. Back then it was just me telling my friends on Twitter and anyone who cared to listen that I found some really good songs from unpopular artists. But I’ve always had a thing for music and a background in it. As the Deck expanded into what it is today (with a whole show and 4 streaming platform playlists😂) I got to work with a lot of artists which put me in the industry. It grew. A lot of people loved the idea and stuck to it. We gained a large audience and Discovery Deck had to grow. More people reached out; more people demanded for their favorite streaming platforms. I realized a playlist couldn’t do it alone and we had to add interviews, live sessions, Twitter spaces, cover reposts and so on

Q: How have you handled that? The growth from something you did for fun to a whole brand?

Temi: There was a point in time that it took a toll on me😂.

I was stuck for like a month not knowing the next step to take. I didn’t know how to handle it because like I said, there are many hopes and dreams attached to it. But I let my passion for music and seeing dreams come to pass take over. A lot of friends of DiscoveryDeck helped too. I don’t think I would be able to name them all because I would forget one person and I don’t want that😂 but they know I appreciate and love them all. I took one step at a time. And I’m still taking steps. I’m open to any suggestion that will help me and my artists reach the spotlight!

Q: I’m sure DiscoveryDeck must take a whole lot of time, creating content and videos and all. Ss this something that your family knows you’re doing? And if they do, how do they take it?

Temi: Discovery Deck DOES take time😂 but it’s worth it! I think I got my interest in music from my family. Especially my dad who’s in the industry. It’s not a strange topic in my home.

Q: That means they’re cool with it? 

Temi: Yeah, they are. 

Q: What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you in the industry? 

Temi: Getting this threat from someone who wanted a partnership. That was hilarious. He said he was going to do everything I do on DiscoveryDeck but be better since he has the resources. I don’t know where he is right now.

Q: Safe to say that was an empty threat. What’s your favourite thing about being in the industry? 

Temi: Just meeting people who love to make what I consume the most – music. Getting to interact and being involved in the music-making process. As well as the promotion part. There’s this joy when your content reaches the targeted audience and it’s accepted

Q: Nice. In that vein, what’s your least favourite thing about being in the industry?

Temi: I’ve always been loud about “GATEKEEPING”. We need more opportunities for emerging acts in the industry. Also, one where they don’t have to pay through their teeth to achieve. Radios, blogs, sites, social media platforms, audiences too. Everyone has a part to play.

Q: Any regrets? Any chances you didn’t take but wish you did?

Temi. None so far and I love that for me.

Q: Word to your younger self? 

Temi: Don’t let anybody’s opinion stop you from doing what you love.

Q: Is there anything you want to add? 

Temi: Yeah well, I was hoping for a question about people who were on DiscoveryDeck before making it big. 

Q: Now that you’ve mentioned it, name names?

Temi: Oh, there’s the latest; Maxee. Asake, AV, Dai verse, Vict0ny. 

Q: DiscoveryDeck to the world. 

Temi: Exactly.