INFORMATION
| Artist Birtday : | 05/02/1980(Age 45) |
| Born In : | Isale Eko |
| Occupation(s) : | Musician |
| Genres : | Afro beats, R&B |
| Web Site : | www.tiwasavage.africa |
Tiwatope Omolara Savage, popularly known as Tiwa Savage, was born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria. Isale Eko, a historic area in Lagos Island, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant musical traditions. Growing up in this environment, Tiwa was immersed in the rhythms and sounds that would later influence her musical career.
At the age of 11, Tiwa moved with her family to London, United Kingdom. This relocation exposed her to a diverse range of musical genres, including R&B, pop, and hip-hop. While attending secondary school, she joined the school’s orchestra band, playing the trombone, which further deepened her musical interests. Her passion for music led her to pursue a degree in accounting at the University of Kent, but her love for music remained unwavering.
To hone her musical skills, Tiwa enrolled at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, graduating with a degree in professional music in 2007. During her time in the UK and the US, she provided backup vocals for renowned artists such as George Michael, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, and Kelly Clarkson. Her songwriting prowess also earned her a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2009, allowing her to write for artists like Babyface, Kat Deluna, Fantasia, Monica, and Mýa.
In 2010, inspired by the burgeoning Nigerian music industry, Tiwa returned to Nigeria to pursue her solo career. She signed with Mavin Records in 2012, a label founded by Don Jazzy, and released her debut album “Once Upon a Time” in 2013. The album featured hit singles like “Kele Kele Love” and “Eminado,” which catapulted her to stardom in the Nigerian music scene.
Tiwa’s music is a fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, pop, and hip-hop, reflecting her diverse musical influences. Her powerful vocals and captivating performances have earned her numerous awards and accolades, solidifying her status as one of Africa’s leading female artists. In 2019, she signed a global recording deal with Universal Music Group, further expanding her international reach.
Beyond music, Tiwa is known for her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for women’s rights. She has been involved in various humanitarian projects and continues to use her platform to inspire and empower the next generation.
Tiwa Savage’s rise to fame was not an overnight success. It took years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. When she returned to Nigeria, some critics doubted whether her style of music—largely influenced by Western R&B—would thrive in the Nigerian market. However, she stayed true to herself and worked closely with local producers to find a unique sound that blended her Western experience with traditional African rhythms. This effort paid off, as her early songs quickly gained massive airplay on Nigerian radio stations and television channels.
Her debut album Once Upon a Time told the story of her journey—her struggles, her hopes, and her dreams. It was a personal project, and many of the tracks spoke directly to her experiences as a woman navigating the male-dominated music industry. Songs like “Love Me (3x)” and “Ife Wa Gbona” featuring Leo Wonder showed her range and ability to create both danceable tracks and emotionally rich ballads.
Following the success of her debut, Tiwa Savage continued to build her brand and audience. She became known not just for her music but for her stage presence and fashion sense. Her performances were always energetic and well-coordinated, and her outfits reflected her bold and confident personality. Fans, especially young women, began to see her as a role model—someone who had broken barriers and shown that Nigerian women could shine on the global stage.
Her second studio album, R.E.D. (which stands for “Romance, Expression, and Dance”) was released in 2015 and included hits like “Standing Ovation” and “If I Start To Talk.” The album further established her place at the top of the Nigerian music scene. Around this time, Tiwa also became one of the most endorsed female musicians in Nigeria, signing deals with brands like Pepsi, Forte Oil, and MTN Nigeria. These endorsements further showed her commercial appeal and her power as a brand ambassador.
In 2016, Tiwa went through a public personal crisis involving her marriage. While this was a challenging time, she handled the situation with grace and continued to focus on her career. She spoke openly about the issues she faced, including the pressures that come with fame and family life. This period revealed her strength and honesty, and many fans admired her for speaking out and not letting the situation affect her work.
In 2018, she made history by becoming the first female artist to win the Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. This was a major milestone, not just for her, but for female musicians across Africa. The win signaled a new era where female African artists were receiving international recognition at the same level as their male counterparts. Later that year, she also performed at the Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg, sharing the stage with international icons like Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
Tiwa Savage’s move to Universal Music Group in 2019 was a strategic step to globalise her sound even more. She released Celia in 2020, an album named after her mother. This body of work featured international collaborations and delivered songs that tackled themes of love, independence, and self-worth. “Koroba,” “Dangerous Love,” and “Temptation” featuring British pop star Sam Smith were standout tracks from the album. The album received positive reviews and was considered one of her most mature and diverse works to date.
In addition to her music, Tiwa has continued to play a key role in social advocacy. She has been vocal about issues like police brutality during the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria and has consistently used her platform to raise awareness about injustices affecting ordinary Nigerians. Her courage in speaking out, especially when it involves controversial national issues, sets her apart from many artists who prefer to stay neutral.
Tiwa’s commitment to music and her fans remains strong. In recent years, she has released new singles and collaborated with younger artists, showing her support for the next generation. Her ability to stay relevant in the fast-changing music industry is a result of her willingness to adapt and grow while maintaining her authenticity. Whether she is singing about love, heartbreak, or societal issues, her music always carries a message.
She continues to tour, perform, and represent Nigeria on international stages. Despite her success, she remains grounded and connected to her roots in Lagos. Tiwa often speaks about her early life in Isale Eko and how the city shaped her perspective and musical identity. She frequently visits Nigeria and maintains strong ties with the Nigerian music community.
As of now, Tiwa Savage is not only one of the leading female artists in Africa but also a respected global voice in Afrobeats. Her journey from a young girl in Lagos to an international star is proof that dreams, when combined with hard work and resilience, can come true. She is an inspiration to many—especially young African girls who see her as a symbol of what is possible.
