Tiwa Savage: The Queen of Afrobeats
Tiwatope Savage, popularly known as Tiwa Savage, is one of the most influential and successful female musicians to emerge from Africa. She has played a crucial role in the global rise of Afrobeats, breaking boundaries with her unique sound, powerful lyrics, and impressive collaborations. From her humble beginnings in Lagos, Nigeria, to her international recognition as an Afrobeats icon, Tiwa Savage’s journey is one of resilience, talent, and undeniable impact.

Early Life and Education
Tiwa Savage was born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria. At the age of 11, she moved to London, United Kingdom, with her family. Growing up in a multicultural environment exposed her to various genres of music, including R&B, pop, and Afrobeats. She attended The University of Kent, where she studied Business Administration.
However, her passion for music led her to pursue a professional career in the industry. She later enrolled at the Berklee College of Music, one of the world’s most prestigious music institutions, where she refined her songwriting and vocal abilities.
Musical Career Beginnings
Tiwa Savage’s first exposure to the music industry came as a backup singer and songwriter for international stars such as Mary J. Blige, George Michael, Kelly Clarkson, and Whitney Houston. She also worked as a songwriter for Sony/ATV Music Publishing, co-writing songs for artists like Fantasia Barrino, Kat DeLuna, and Monica. Her songwriting skills were widely recognized, and she even contributed to Fantasia’s Grammy-nominated song “Collard Greens & Cornbread.”
Despite her success behind the scenes, Tiwa Savage had a bigger dream—to become a frontline artist representing Africa on the global stage. This led her back to Nigeria in 2010, where she began her solo career in Afrobeats.
Rise to Fame in Afrobeats
In 2012, Tiwa Savage signed with Mavin Records, the record label owned by Don Jazzy, one of Nigeria’s most respected producers. This marked a turning point in her career, as she became part of the Mavin All Stars and gained widespread recognition. Some of her early hits, such as “Kele Kele Love” and “Love Me (3x),” established her as a rising Afrobeats star. In 2013, she released her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time, which featured hit songs like “Ife Wa Gbona,” “Olorun Mi,” and “Eminado.” The album cemented her place as one of Nigeria’s top female artists.
Global Breakthrough and Success
Tiwa Savage continued to dominate the Afrobeats scene, and her music soon attracted international recognition. In 2016, she signed a management and publishing deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, making her one of the first Nigerian artists to work with the American entertainment giant. Her second album, R.E.D (2015), featured hit songs like “My Darlin’” and “Standing Ovation,” further showcasing her ability to blend Afrobeats with R&B and pop influences.
In 2017, she released the Sugarcane EP, which contained the chart-topping single “Ma Lo,” a collaboration with Wizkid and Spellz. The song became a massive success across Africa and beyond, further establishing her as one of the leading voices in Afrobeats.
International Recognition and Awards
Tiwa Savage’s consistency and hard work have earned her numerous awards and accolades. She won the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Female Artist in 2014 and has received multiple awards at The Headies for Best Vocal Performance. In 2018, she made history as the first female artist to win Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. That same year, she won the BET Award for Best African Act, further proving her dominance in the industry.
Major Collaborations and International Presence
Tiwa Savage has collaborated with several global superstars, expanding her reach beyond Africa. One of her most notable collaborations was with Beyoncé on the song “Keys to the Kingdom,” featured on The Lion King: The Gift album. She has also worked with international artists like Brandy on “Somebody’s Son,” a song that became a viral hit among women worldwide.
Other major collaborations include “Tales by Moonlight” featuring Amaarae and “Stamina” featuring Ayra Starr and Young Jonn. Her ability to blend African rhythms with international sounds has made her a key player in taking Afrobeats to the global stage.
Challenges and Controversies
Like many celebrities, Tiwa Savage has faced several challenges in her career. From industry struggles as a female artist to personal scandals, she has endured difficult moments. In 2021, she was involved in a leaked private video scandal, which she openly addressed, showing her resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the controversy, she continued to push forward and release music that resonated with her fans.
Her publicized relationship and separation from Teebillz (Tunji Balogun), who was also her former manager, was another personal challenge. The couple went through a highly publicized breakup that drew significant media attention. However, Tiwa Savage has since focused on her music and personal growth, proving that challenges cannot hold her back.
Legacy and Impact on Afrobeats
Tiwa Savage has broken many barriers for female artists in the African music industry. Her influence can be seen in the rise of new female Afrobeats stars like Tems, Ayra Starr, and Fave, who have followed in her footsteps. She has paved the way for female artists in a male-dominated industry and has helped bridge the gap between African and international music markets. Her ability to combine talent, fashion, and branding has set the standard for women in the music industry.
Recent Projects and Future Prospects
In recent years, Tiwa Savage has continued to release hit songs and expand her brand. Her 2021 EP, Water & Garri, was well received, featuring international collaborations and showing her evolving sound.
In 2023, she made her acting debut in Water and Garri, an Amazon Prime original movie inspired by her music. This marked a new chapter in her career as she ventured into film, showing her versatility as an entertainer.
She remains one of Africa’s most influential female artists and continues to tour, perform, and release new music. Fans eagerly anticipate her next project, as she has consistently proven that she can evolve with the changing music industry while staying true to her roots.
Tiwa Savage’s journey from a backup singer to the Queen of Afrobeats is truly inspiring. She has proven that talent, hard work, and determination can break barriers and open doors for others. Whether through her music, collaborations, or stage performances, Tiwa Savage has left an indelible mark on the African and global music scenes. As she continues to evolve and push boundaries, one thing is certain—her legacy in Afrobeats is unmatched and unforgettable.
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