Temkeyz, real names Temitope Abdulrasheed Otuyemi is a versatile musician whose songs are currently taking the entertainment landscape in Nigeria by storm. His two singles, ‘Decisions’ and ‘Home’ have topped musical charts since release and it seems the young artiste is not stopping anytime soon. In this interview with ROTIMI IGE, the next rated artiste speaks about his music and plans for global domination. Excerpts.
You’ve had quite an eventful journey before becoming an artiste. How did your early experiences shape your music?
Growing up, I had a lot of struggles like not having any friends and dealing with family tensions. I was often alone, which created a deep sense of longing. This is reflected in my single ‘Home’, where I explore themes of connection, belonging and the desire to find a place or person that truly feels like home.
What family tensions did you experience, and with whom? How did that relationship affect you?
It was with my aunt. She was a prominent figure and when she left us, it felt like a huge part of my support system was gone. I had to navigate life on my own, and it made me yearn for a place or someone that would offer unconditional support. This emotional journey is what inspired the song ‘Home’—the idea of trying to find a sense of belonging after being displaced.
In ‘Home’, your lyrics convey a deep sense of longing. Is this a reflection of your own search for stability and a place to call your own?
Absolutely. ‘Home’ is deeply personal. I’ve always had to search for a place where I truly fit in, whether it was with my aunt, a new home, or even my career. The song reflects that inner search for comfort, connection, and a place where I feel truly accepted and at peace.
You worked as a shawarma sales boy, enduring long hours and tough living conditions. How did that impact your perspective on life?
(Laughs) How did you know that? It was tough, but those experiences shaped me. I learned a lot about resilience and the struggle to get by. The hardships made me appreciate everything I have now and helped me stay grounded. This feeling of overcoming adversity translates into my music, especially in songs like ‘Decisions’, where I express a bold confidence and desire to embrace life’s pleasures despite the struggles.
‘Decisions’ is quite different from ‘Home’. It explores more sensual and daring themes. How do these two songs represent the duality of your experiences?
‘Home’ is about the emotional journey of longing and finding a place where you belong, while ‘Decisions’ delves into the more daring, bold aspects of life, particularly relationships and desire. Both songs represent different parts of me—one is more vulnerable and introspective, while the other is about embracing freedom and taking risks. Life is full of contrasts, and I wanted to reflect that in my music.
You’ve had some challenging moments, like being asked to leave home and dealing with difficult living situations. How did those moments influence your songwriting?
Ahn Ahn! Who told you this? Well, going through those rough patches made me reflect a lot on loneliness, isolation, and the constant search for a place to call my own. It’s not just physical places, but emotional ones too. Those experiences are captured in ‘Home’—it’s not just about a physical location, but a deeper emotional connection with people and places that make you feel whole.
What role does your passion for coding and product design play in your music career?
I’ve always been curious and creative. While coding and product design are technical, they allow me to think outside the box and approach music with a unique perspective. I see the process of creating music as similar to designing a product—there’s a flow, a structure, and an end goal in mind. It helps me stay focused and disciplined while still being able to express myself creatively.
How did your journey with family dynamics and financial struggles shape your drive to succeed in music?
My early life was filled with a lot of hardship, like not being able to afford school or having to work multiple jobs to survive. But it’s these challenges that fuel my ambition. I never wanted to settle for less, and that hunger to make something of myself is what pushes me every day. Music became an outlet to express both my struggles and my triumphs, and now it’s how I share my story with the world.
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What do you hope listeners take away from your songs, especially with the deeper themes in ‘Home’ and the bold energy in ‘Decisions’.
With ‘Home’, I want listeners, and especially ‘Temians’ to connect with the idea of seeking belonging and finding peace, no matter how lost they might feel. With ‘Decisions’, I want to empower people to embrace their desires and live freely without guilt. Both songs are about embracing different aspects of life—the emotional and the bold—and I hope they help people find themselves in the music.
Looking forward, how do you see your music evolving?
I plan to keep growing and experimenting, blending my experiences with the many emotions I go through. I want my music to continue being raw, real, and relatable. There’s still a lot I want to explore, from deeper emotions to more adventurous themes, and I hope to bring people along on that journey with me.
Are you planning on releasing music any time soon?
Yes. We are working on something between now and May. I can tell you whatever we do. Whether it’s a single or more, it will continue the evolution.
Any immediate plans with regard to shows, concerts, etc.?
Oh yes, we are having a four-day street performance series for the Temians community from April 2 to April 5. We plan on showcasing at major city points: Sango Market, Eleyele Market, Challenge Roundabout, and Lead City Junction Park.
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