Wale Davies Talks Show Dem Camp, Working With Tems, and Working on an Award-Winning Film

On the latest episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, sponsored by Martell, Joey Akan sits down with Wale Davies (Tec), one-half of the revered rap duo Show Dem Camp and one of the cultural architects behind the Palmwine Music movement. 

Behind the scenes, Wale serves as the Head of A&R (Africa) at Sony Music Publishing and is the co-manager of Tems, helping to build her now world-renowned career and sound. 

He has now also added acclaimed screenwriter to his resume, as his work on My Father's Shadow earned major international recognition, including a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut and multiple AMVCA wins (including Best Writing and Best Movie).

In the episode, Wale reflects on the grind of building a career with full independence in Nigeria’s music industry: early resistance, the deliberate choice to stay independent, and the creation of a loyal, cross-generational community through authentic storytelling and sonic experimentation. 

Further in, Wale traces the evolution of Show Dem Camp and the Palmwine sound, while unpacking his bold expansion into film, artist development, and cultural documentation.

He dives deep into the making of My Father's Shadow — the deeply personal, semi-autobiographical film co-written with his brother Akinola Davies Jr.— its historic Cannes premiere, and the weight of telling intimate Nigerian stories on the global stage. 

From the realities of creating in Nigeria versus international markets to the philosophy of “dying empty” by fully realizing one’s creative potential, this conversation is a powerful masterclass in ownership, longevity, legacy, and platforming African narratives. A rich, insightful dialogue about building something meaningful that transcends one industry.

Watch the full episode of Afrobeats Intelligence with Wale Davies below.

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