Tempoe is one of the music producers that shape the evolution of Nigeria’s music today. Born in Michael Aragw, this award-winning producer is famous for his global hits like Ckay’s I love nwantitiVictory Sowetoand Omar Ray Soand now he is stepping up as an executive producer with an expanded catalogue aimed at elevating Nigerian music.
Whether he’s groping Victory or Joe Boy records, or kicking ambient piano, calypso guitar or basic Afrobeat on Omaha ray tracks, Tempo is one of the music producers that has shaped the recent evolution of Nigerian music.
Music executive and award-winning record producer Michael Aragw is best known for his work on global hits like CKAY’s Love nwantitiVictory SowetoOmar Rays So, Understand, Devotedand Joeboy’s bite, Contours, door, Betterwith at least 2 billion plays, Spotify plays on these records alone. He is also credited as executive producer of Joeboy’s released Joeboy Viva Lavida The album, he also wore a hat that made his beat. SMH, Innocent, taxi driverand Abena.
The rise of Tempo in the Nigerian music scene was spun with his previous Ckay productions, including 2016. container and nkechi is up – Set the stage before Ckay I love nwantiti It became a global hit in 2019, smashing the glass ceiling for his craft. Beyond his soundscape, he maintains a melodic, improvised production style, subtly blending the surrounding melodies with complex compositions to evoke strong emotions.
Recognised for his progressive work by global organizations such as the BMI London Awards, The Recording Academy and The African Musik Magazine Awards, Tempoe is set to lift the tempo of Nigerian music with a vast catalogue. He’s sitting together Guardian music To discuss his bold new stay as an executive producer, his creative impact and process, and his thoughts on the future of Afrobeat.
It’s not my first time working with Joe Boy. What is connected to both of you?
I can’t remember the exact year, but I think our first collaboration continued dooraround 2020 or 2021. That helps me to place it – we officially met in 2020. We recorded it in this little studio in Yaba. We connected through mutual friends. It wasn’t forced – I wasn’t chasing him on the beat. When we happened to be in the same space, it felt like a suitable time to create. That night we made three songs including oh. A few months later, we made it door. Since then, we have been nervous. We happen to be friends who just make music together. It’s not just a fixed relationship to music.
Give us an insight into your creative process.
My creative process is so sporadic and spontaneous that it makes it difficult to teach others. There’s no way I can work. Sometimes I start with lyrics, or the artist has lyrics, or I have a beat, or half the song with a melody. Also, start from scratch. Often, artists have raw ideas that have not been fully developed, and I consider myself a finisher. I know how to take a small idea and turn it into something grand. It’s more than just a song. It’s a common theme with everyone I work with. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
As an executive producer, what is your thinking process like?
Being an executive producer is very different from producing a few songs on an album or making beats. It’s about shaping the entire sound of a project and creating an experience beyond what the artist normally offers. With artists like Joeboy, Adekunle Gold, and Ruger, for example, we look at where they are in their careers and what they need in the moment, taking into account how their fans see them.
“The song is great, but it’s not something you need now. We did something like this before.” They may like the track, but explain why it shouldn’t be part of the project. That decision-making process has nothing to do with making a beat or being in the studio. It has nothing to do with understanding artists as a brand, ensuring they are in the right headspace and working with the current industry environment. A great executive producer can lift the artist to a higher height by looking beyond their immediate perspective.
How do you feel about this new role?
It’s amazing because I can fully realize my vision for the project. When I’m writing songs, I’m already drawing artwork or thinking about the next big thing. How can I break new ground? That’s not easy. That means it doesn’t depend on the old formula. I focus on the smallest details, such as how the mix should sound, and what even engineers might overlook.
Over time I realized that if I’m hearing others won’t do that, there’s a reason for it. It puts me more accountable – if I notice something that improves the song and doesn’t fix it, it will annoy me forever. Sometimes the artist may oppose my ideas, and I will explain my reasoning. About 50-60% of the time, they agree and we will work on my suggestions. Otherwise, they do what they want, it’s okay – it’s not just my idea. It’s about presenting the best possible version of the record. When businessmen and labels get involved, it can get complicated and everyone wants something different. Fans haven’t seen this, but there’s a whole story behind some of these records.
What do you think the next wave of Nigerian music will look like?
You can’t really tell what people like. It’s like politics. Power changes every year. It is the people on the frontline, the people being pushed, and the people who are successful worldwide that drive change. For example, Tems has achieved massive global success in her style. It leads to crazy fusions and new combinations. Take Tems to sample the classic SADE ADU records. This encourages young artists to revisit those vintage sounds. It sounds cool to hear these records in London and the US, especially with nominations and global awareness.
Artists like Burna Boy and Rema refine the meaning of Afrobeats and Nigerian Music, and producers use sound in ways they have never done before. I take pride in doing something unique that makes me whisper my work. When I did it, it wasn’t common, but now I hear it on other songs. It’s about how you sample – whether it’s bold or experimental, like what I’ve done Innocentswitch to another record completely. It may not play for a club, but it expands the minds of producers and artists and shows that there are no rules. Even if people first ask you questions, you just have to be confident. Future generations have something fresh to sample as all of us in this industry push the boundaries.
Time for some quick questions. What is your favorite music app?
Spotify.
What’s your favorite app to open in the morning?
Now the weather app – because I’m in London.
Do you like to eat after recording music?
Fried plantain and eggs.
If you were to explain your life and art in one word now, what would it be?
goat. It’s the best ever.
