Tiwa Savage, the queen of Afrobeats, has once again proven she’s not just about the music; she’s about making statements.
Her recent Instagram video where she’s seen swimming with sharks isn’t just a bucket list check-off; it’s a bold statement on the perils of the Nigerian music industry. See the post HERE
At 44, Savage isn’t just dipping her toes into adventure; she’s diving headfirst into the depths where danger lurks, much like her career in music. The video, captivating and terrifying in equal measure, showcases her in full control, equipped with an oxygen mask, navigating the unpredictable waters of the ocean. But it’s her follow-up post that truly caught my attention.
When fans voiced their concerns, she didn’t just brush them off. Instead, she cleverly redirected the narrative: “The real danger lies within the Nigerian music industry.” With this, Savage wasn’t just addressing her physical safety; she was speaking to the heart of the industry’s dark side. “Everyone worried about me swimming with sharks, but the ones in this music industry are way more f**king dangerous,” she said, laying bare the truth about the cutthroat world behind the glitz.
This isn’t just Savage being dramatic for clicks. This is Tiwa being Tiwa — unapologetically real. Her statement is a beacon for those who don’t see the battles fought behind the scenes. The music industry, especially in Nigeria, is rife with its own predators — from label executives who promise the moon but deliver dust, to artists who smile at you on stage but plot your downfall backstage.
What Savage has done here is more than just share a personal adventure; she’s opened up a dialogue about the real dangers artists face. It’s not just about the competition but about the survival of one’s integrity, creativity, and mental health in an industry that often prioritizes profit over people.
In my view, Savage’s shark encounter is a vivid metaphor for the journey many artists undertake. You can choose to stay safe in the shallow waters of mediocrity, or you can dive deep, face the predators, and emerge stronger, wiser, and perhaps a bit more jaded. Savage’s narrative isn’t just about her but serves as a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for authenticity in an industry that sometimes feels more like a shark tank than a stage.
Her bravery in both the literal and figurative sense should be a lesson to us all — in music or in life, you’ve got to be ready to swim with the sharks if you want to make it to the top. And when you do, maybe, just maybe, you’ll be the one dictating the tides.