With the new variations of Afrobeat dominating airwaves and playlists in the Nigerian music scene, the influence of a new wave of music creatives is evident with each passing day and with chart-topping songs such as Omah Lay’s Godly, Ckay’s Love Nwantiti and Blaq Bonez’s Shut up, and most recently Joeboy’s ‘Door’, record producer Michael Chigozie Alagwu – popularly known as “Tempoe” – has time and time again produced noteworthy Afrobeat songs .
The success of Nigerian music all over the world has been a huge buzz within our community. The growth of Afro-centric sounds over the past years has been remarkable, and we have seen its dynamic influence internationally and locally; reconnecting diasporans back to their roots and reminding locals of the uniqueness of Afrobeats.
For a long time, Afrobeat relied on the strength of the beat of the songs and behind the arrangement of these drum patterns, piano-midriffs, and rhythmic shakers are producers. They are the pillar of the music industry, contributing an immense amount of creativity, knowledge and finesse into these beautiful songs.
From this symbiotic relationship between every producer and artist, we have seen the incredible amount of change within the Nigerian scene due to creative collaboration, and in recent times, the audience has increasingly welcomed a wide range of diverse new sounds. This can partly be credited to the influence of a new wave of music producers who have positively impacted the soundscape.
It is safe to say that with these individuals the future of Afrobeat music production is in safe hands. For Tempoe, his foray into music production started during his university days “I was just making beats and doing school stuff back then basically.” Initially, his love for production was borne out of passion. “The first time I sold a beat was six years ago, or thereabout. I was given 2500 Naira.”
Being one of the producers at the forefront of the emerging wave of diverse Afrobeats records in Nigeria, Tempoe shares insights about his creative journey with 49th Street; Working with artistes such as Omah Lay, WurlD, Superboy Cheque, Joeboy, CKay, Blaqbonez, Teni, Reminisce, and many others as well as the hassles of working in the Nigerian music industry.
49th Street: Just for the records, can you tell us your real name?
Tempoe: Michael Chigozie Alagwu
49th Street: When did you start producing?
Tempoe: I was messing around with DAWs like FL studio for a while but I’ve been in the industry full-time for about 3 years.
49th Street: What were you doing before then?
Tempoe: I was making beats, coupled with school stuff. The first placement I had was with CKay for his song, Nkechi. Before then, I hadn’t really collected money for my beats or for a production.
49th Street: Was that the first time you collected money?
Tempoe: No, it wasn’t. The first time was six years ago, or thereabout. I was paid 2,500 Naira. At the time, I just knew how to use FL Studio to a point. So, a friend of mine got another friend that wanted to sing. He asked for him to come and listen to my beats. The friend heard my beats and liked them. He had a song in his head and he wanted me to make a beat to it. I got to it and after everything, the guy paid me 2,500. I had to give the guy who brought him 1,000 Naira so I had 1,500 left.
I worked in tech for a year after that, building websites. After a short while, I went to the university.
49th Street: So, we found out you went to The Sarz Academy. Tell us what that was like for you. Was that your first entry into production or had you been producing before?
Tempoe: I was producing before I went to The Sarz Academy. I had already produced Container by CKay & Play by Blaqbonez. I had those two songs out, but I knew I wasn’t there yet and I needed that extra thing. I knew that by being around certain people, I’d get there. That was why I went to The Sarz Academy.
49th Street: As a producer, what was the first song you heard that blew your mind?
Tempoe: Beat of Life
49th Street: What are the things that majorly influence your career as a producer?
Tempoe: The music and the people I listen to, to be honest. I always try to listen to as many genres as possible. I also listen to things people would normally wave off. I try to find new music and I listen for everything in a song. I think that’s it for me.
49th Street: So, how did you come about the name ‘Tempoe’ and your tag ‘MÄD!’?
Tempoe: Both of them just came to me. On my previous tracks like Container, Play & Love Nwantiti, I wasn’t using ‘MÄD!’ at the time. I was just using ‘Tempoe’. You’d hear a female voice saying ‘Tempoe’ at the beginning of the song. ‘MÄD!’ was something that came to me recently.
49th Street: How has your journey in the industry been so far, and what challenges have you faced as a producer?
Tempoe:I wouldn’t outrightly say I’ve had any bad experiences,I’ve just learnt some lessons. I’ve learnt a lot dealing with people, artists and fellow producers. I’ve learnt, that’s all.
49th Street: What song would you say was your first big hit?
Tempoe: Because of how much I critique myself regarding accomplishments, I’d say Godly. I know I have other songs that have done well but sonically godly is what I’ve always wanted to bring to life & i’m just getting started . And it isn’t just based on how well the song is doing on the charts or the number of streams it has amassed, it’s about the quality of sound for me, how it makes people feel, and how people react to it. That’s the biggest win for me.
49th Street: How was working with Omah Lay like?
Tempoe: Fun. It was all vibes. He has the purest of energies. Making music with him is never work per se ‘cos half the time its laughs and jonzing haha
49th Street: Do you have any artistes you are looking forward to working with in the industry, home, and abroad?
Tempoe: I’d say wiz but i already started working with him recently in ghana & it was nuts.The big three are a constant. No one would ever reject that hahaha.Then there’s Flash, I feel like we’d make mad music together. And abroad, someone I’d like to work with is Aya Nakamura. we’d make magic together.
I’m down to work with anyone who makes good music & is good vibes.
49th Street: How does hearing Godly everywhere make you feel?
Tempoe: It motivates me. Knowing that I can do damage on that level sonically & in every sense makes me feel like I can do more and be more.Right now, I’m collaborating with a bunch of foreign producers & instrumentalists and it has been crazy. I really cannot wait for people to hear. One of them is, in fact, out already. It’s Bossy by WurlD. I worked with Bndries, an instrumentalist/producer from Finland. He’s amazing.
49th Street: So far in the industry, we’ve seen a couple of producer projects. Should we be expecting one from you soon?
Tempoe: First of all,Shout-out to producers who have done and are doing it.
Yeah, I might release something this year,it’s in the works. Just keep your ears open haha.
49th Street: Do you have any advice for youngins who want to enter the music industry as producers?
Tempoe: I’m a youngin myself,still learning & navigating the industry so i don’t know how much advice i have to give hahaha. Just Keep creating. Work smart. Read up on the music business. No one is more important than the other. That’s all I have for now.
49th Street: In the next couple of years, where do you see the brand, Tempoe?
Tempoe: I think it’d be fun for you guys to see it happen when it does. I do want to go into other aspects of art, definitely. So,fingers crossed.
49th Street: Do you have any plans of becoming a singer later in your career?
Tempoe: Right now, Nahhh. I’ll just stick to producing and songwriting but never say never hahaha.
