Tiwatope Savage, professionally known as Tiwa Savage, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and one of the leading forces in the global music industry. Born on February 5, 1980, in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, Tiwa’s rise to fame reflects her incredible talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft. Known as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” she has become a dominant figure in the music scene, blending Afrobeat, R&B, pop, and soul to create a unique sound that resonates globally.
Tiwa moved to London with her family at the age of 11, where she spent much of her early life. She attended the University of Kent, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Initially pursuing a career in banking, Tiwa quickly realized her passion lay in music. She began working as a backup singer for international artists such as George Michael, Mary J. Blige, and Chaka Khan. These experiences exposed her to the international music scene and provided the skills necessary to shape her own career.
Tiwa’s breakthrough came in 2009 when she signed a record deal with Mavin Records, one of Nigeria’s leading music labels founded by renowned producer Don Jazzy. Her debut single, “Kele Kele Love”, released in 2010, quickly became a hit, and her debut album, Once Upon a Time (2013), solidified her position as one of Nigeria’s top female artists. The album featured popular songs like “Love Me (3x)”, “Without My Heart”, and “Eyo”, earning her multiple awards and nominations, including City People Music Award for Best Female Artist.
Tiwa Savage’s follow-up projects have been marked by continuous success and growth. Her 2017 album Sugarcane featured collaborations with artists like Wizkid and Slimcase and produced major hits such as “All Over” and “Ma Lo”. The album showcased her ability to blend Afrobeat with contemporary pop and R&B influences, further expanding her reach beyond Africa. The success of Sugarcane reinforced Tiwa’s position as a prominent figure in the global music industry.
Over the years, Tiwa has also collaborated with several high-profile international artists, including Drake, Chris Brown, and Beyoncé. She was featured on Beyoncé’s 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift on the track “Keys to the Kingdom”, which helped introduce her to a larger global audience. These collaborations have played a significant role in expanding her influence in the international music scene.
Tiwa Savage has earned numerous awards, including MTV Africa Music Awards, The Headies, and BET Awards, further solidifying her status as one of the top African music artists. In 2019, she signed a major international record deal with Universal Music Group, marking a new chapter in her career and further elevating her global profile.
Apart from her music, Tiwa is also known for her fashion-forward style and advocacy for women’s empowerment. She uses her platform to support social causes, particularly gender equality and women’s rights. Tiwa has become a powerful voice for women in the music industry, challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers.
In her personal life, Tiwa is a mother to her son, Jamil, whom she shares with her ex-husband Teebillz. Despite facing personal challenges, she has maintained her success and remains one of the most influential African artists. Tiwa Savage continues to inspire with her music, her advocacy, and her ability to push the boundaries of African music on the global stage.