Tiwa Savage stands as one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian music industry, often referred to as the “Queen of Afrobeats.” Her illustrious career has seen her rise to prominence not only in Nigeria but also on the global stage, making her a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.
She has established herself as a dominant force in the Nigerian and global music scenes. Her journey from her early life in Lagos to becoming a global music icon is nothing short of inspirational. Let’s look through the eyes of Naijassador on the life and career of Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tiwa Savage.
Early Life
Born Tiwatope Omolara Savage was born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria. She exhibited a passion for music from a tender age. Tiwa Savage relocated to London when she was only 11 years old to complete her secondary education. While there as a teenager, the singer became quite serious with her career. She began doing backup vocals for artists like George Michael and Mary J. Blige
Her family’s love for music, particularly her father’s involvement in the church choir, played a pivotal role in shaping her musical aspirations. Tiwa Savage’s early exposure to diverse musical genres, ranging from gospel to hip-hop, laid the foundation for her multifaceted musical career.
Education
Tiwa Savage is a graduate of the University of Kent where she obtained a degree in accounting. After graduation, she started working at The Royal Bank of Scotland although she did this briefly before continuing her music career. Savage went on to enroll at Berklee College of Music where she graduated with a degree in professional music in 2007.
Career
Tiwa Savage’s pursuit of a music career led her to the UK, where she attended the Berklee College of Music and later earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Kent. Her time in the UK provided her with opportunities to collaborate with renowned artists and gain invaluable experience as a backup vocalist for luminaries such as Mary J. Blige and George Michael.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Tiwa Savage’s talent caught the attention of music industry insiders, leading to collaborations with prominent Nigerian artists. Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut single, “Kele Kele Love,” in 2010, which quickly became a chart-topping hit and established her as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene.
Tiwa Savage’s debut album, “Once Upon a Time,” released in 2013, further propelled her to stardom. The album, featuring hit singles like “Love Me (3x)” and “Without My Heart,” showcased her versatility as an artist, seamlessly blending Afrobeats with R&B influences. Her subsequent albums, including “R.E.D” (2015) and “Celia” (2020), solidified her status as one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Tiwa Savage’s influence extends beyond the African continent, thanks in part to her collaborations with international artists such as Beyoncé, Wizkid, and Sam Smith. Her commitment to showcasing African music and culture on the global stage has garnered widespread recognition and admiration.
Albums and Major Releases
Tiwatope Savage showcased her musical talents from a young age. Her journey began in the UK, where she honed her skills as a backup vocalist for artists such as Mary J. Blige and George Michael. This experience provided her with invaluable insights and paved the way for her eventual solo career. Here are the albums released by the singer throughout her career:
Once Upon a Time (2013)
Tiwa Savage’s debut album was a resounding success, featuring hits like “Kele Kele Love” and “Love Me (3x).” The album showcased her versatility as an artist, blending Afrobeats with R&B influences seamlessly.
R.E.D (2015)
This sophomore album further solidified Tiwa’s status in the music industry. Tracks like “If I Start To Talk” and “African Waist” highlighted her growth as an artist and her ability to craft compelling narratives through her music.
Celia (2020)
Named after her mother, “Celia” was a celebration of African music and culture. The album received widespread acclaim, with tracks like “Koroba” and “Dangerous Love” topping charts across the continent.
Notable Collaborations
Tiwa Savage’s collaborations with both local and international artists have contributed to her global appeal. Her work with artists such as Wizkid, Beyoncé, and Sam Smith has garnered critical acclaim and further expanded her fan base. Tiwa Savage, the crowned queen of Afrobeats, isn’t content to conquer the musical landscape alone. Her vibrant tapestry of sound is enriched by a web of collaborations, showcasing her chameleon-like adaptability and willingness to break genre barriers. Let’s delve into some of her most iconic team-ups:
Eminado feat. Don Jazzy
This vibrant anthem with the legendary Don Jazzy cemented Tiwa’s early Afrobeats dominance, its catchy hook and dancefloor energy resonating across continents.
Ma Lo feat. Wizkid
A fusion of Tiwa’s soulful vocals and Wizkid’s smooth delivery, this sultry track set the tone for Afrobeats’ global rise.
Pana feat. Tekno
Injecting Tekno’s infectious energy into her melodic prowess, “Pana” became a global viral sensation, proving the power of Afrobeats collaborations.
Anybody feat. Burna Boy
Two Afrobeats giants joined forces on this electrifying track, its pulsating rhythm and fiery lyrics showcasing their styles while creating a sonic synergy that sent fans into a frenzy.
Like feat. Mr Eazi
A smooth blend of Afrobeats and Ghanaian highlife, “Like” with Mr Eazi showcased Tiwa’s ability to navigate diverse musical landscapes with grace.
Keys to the City feat. Nasty C
Crossing continents and genres, this collaboration with South African rapper Nasty C merged Afrobeats with hip-hop, proving the boundless potential of cross-cultural partnerships.
Temptation feat. Sam Smith
Tiwa’s soulful voice intertwined with Sam Smith’s emotive crooning on this ballad is a testament to her versatility and ability to connect with audiences across genres.
Somebody’s Son feat. Brandy
A powerful anthem of female empowerment, featuring the legendary Brandy, “Somebody’s Son” is a heartwarming example of women supporting women through music.
Fall feat. Davido
This chart-topping hit with Davido solidified both artists’ international acclaim, with its sultry vibe and infectious hook captivating audiences worldwide.
Koroba feat. Skales
Tiwa lent her star power to the rising Nigerian artist Skales on this energetic dance track, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing fresh talent.
Awards and Nominations
Tiwa Savage, the Nigerian songstress whose voice has mesmerized audiences worldwide, boasts a career brimming with awards and nominations. From her early days in songwriting to her reign as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” her talent and dedication have been consistently recognized on prestigious stages. Let’s dive into a list of her achievements:
Awards
The Headies
- 2013 – Best R&B Album (“Once Upon a Time”)
- 2014 – Best Female Vocal Performance (“My Darlin'”)
- 2014 – Best Collabo (“Eminado” feat. Don Jazzy)
- 2016 – Best Pop Single (“If I Start To Talk”)
- 2017 – Special Recognition Award
- 2018 – Artiste of the Decade
MTV Europe Music Awards
- 2018 – Best African Act (First woman to win this category)
Channel O Music Video Awards
- 2013 – Most Popular Female West Africa (“Kele Kele Love”)
- 2014 – Most Gifted Female Video (“Love Me (3x)
Nigeria Entertainment Awards
- 2014 – Best R&B/Pop Album (“Once Upon a Time”)
- 2015 – Best Female Artiste of the Year
- 2017 – Hottest Single of the Year (“My Darlin'”)
City People Entertainment Awards
- 2012 – Most Promising Act of the Year
- 2013 – Best New Musician of the Year (Female)
- 2014 – Best Female Musician of the Year
- 2017 – Artiste of the Year (Female)
Other Awards
- 2020 – African Muzik Magazine Awards – Best Female Artiste (West Africa)
- 2020 – Soundcity MVP Awards – African Female Video of the Year (“Koroba”)
- 2021 – African Diaspora Merit Awards – Most Influential Female Artist in Africa
Nominations
Grammy Awards
- 2019 – Best Album (“Back to Me” by Fantasia Barrino, co-written by Tiwa Savage)
BET Awards
- 2016 – Best International Act: Africa
- 2018 – Best International Act: Africa
Activism and Influence
Beyond her musical accomplishments, Tiwa Savage has been a vocal advocate for various social causes, including gender equality and female empowerment. Her influence extends beyond the realm of music, making her a role model for aspiring artists and young women alike. Tiwa Savage has also been involved in several youth empowerment including breast cancer screening projects across the country. She has helped in raising funds to build schools in her hometown and other organizations.
Endorsement deals
Tiwa Savage signed an endorsement deal in July 2013 with MTN Nigeria for a whopping sum of 30 million naira. The singer has also had several endorsement deals with notable brands like Pepsi, Forte Oil, Tecno mobile phone, Twisco, and Maggi.
Personal life
Tiwa Savage was married to Tunji Balogun popularly known as Tee Billz and the couple had their traditional marriage at the Ark in Lekki on November 23, 2013. They had their white wedding at the Armani Hotel in Dubai on April 26, 2014. Tiwa Savage and her husband Tee Billz announced the birth of their son in June 2015. However, like many celebrity couple marriages, that of Tiwa Savage and her husband also didn’t last long. On 28 April 2016, Tee Billz announced the end of his marriage with the singer. He also accused his wife of infidelity and his mother-in-law of witchcraft.
Tiwa Savage subsequently granted a 45-minute interview to This Day newspaper and Pulse Nigeria. She addressed her ex-husband’s social media outburst and debunked the infidelity claim he accused her of. She also accused her ex-husband of financial recklessness, drug addiction and abandonment.
Tiwa Savage lost her father on July 19, 2021to an undisclosed illness. The burial was well attended by her colleagues in the musical industry.
The singer was awarded an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Kent on July 15, 2022. Savage was awarded the degree during a graduation ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral. She was given the award for her contributions to an inspirational and international career in music. While receiving the award, Tiwa Savage sang a rendition of “Optimistic” by Sounds of Blackness and gave an acceptance speech.
On May 7, 2023, Savage performed at King Charles III’s Coronation Concert which was held at Windsor Castle alongside other top artists. She wore a custom Lanre da Silva gown that showcased her Nigerian heritage to grace the stage for the concert. Just as was expected, Tiwa Savage’s performance was praised by many of her fans for its brilliance and cultural theme.
Controversy
Tiwa Savage has been enmeshed in some controversies over the years. On June 8, 2021, she got involved in a verbal exchange with fellow Nigerian singer Seyi Shay at a saloon in the Lekki area of Lagos State. A viral video was shared which saw Savage refusing to take the greetings of Seyi Shay. The two women began exchanging curse words at each other at the saloon. The reason Tiwa Savage refused her colleague Seyi Shay’s greeting was because the latter had released a diss track in 2017, where she called Savage several derogatory names and defamed her image.
According to Naijassador, in October 2021, a sex tape of Savage and her partner was released online. This gathered a lot of unpleasant comments from her fans and she later spoke with the radio station Power 105.1 whose host was Angie Martinez that she was blackmailed over a leaked video of herself and her partner having sex. Savage’s partner accidentally uploaded the video to Snapchat and took it down almost immediately. However, someone captured the video before it was deleted and threatened to release it if they weren’t monetarily compensated. Savage refused to give the person money and instead decided to publicly speak about the leaked video to own the narrative. Savage briefly mentioned the sex tape incident on Asake’s 2022 single “Loaded”, in which she was featured.
Tiwa Savage’s journey from her early life in Lagos to achieving global acclaim is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her impact on the Nigerian music industry and Afrobeats as a genre is undeniable. Through her powerful vocals, compelling lyrics, and unwavering dedication, she has carved a niche for herself in the global music landscape. As she continues to push boundaries and redefine the music landscape, one thing remains clear: Tiwa Savage’s legacy in music will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide for years to come.
Things you should know about Tiwa Savage, a Nigerian artiste
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Written by Sarah Aboje
