TV & Radio Interviews

Tiwa Savage on Motherhood, Nigerian Fame & Why Afrobeats Overlooks Women

In a deeply moving episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage sheds light on the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hustle behind her journey to stardom. From singing backup for global superstars like Beyoncé and George Michael to becoming the Queen of Afrobeats, Tiwa opens up with refreshing honesty about the challenges and triumphs that shaped her musical legacy.

Now in her early 40s, Tiwa Savage speaks not just as an artist but as a mother, businesswoman, and cultural force who has redefined what it means to be a female success in a male-dominated industry. Her story is not just about music—it's about resilience, reinvention, and representation.

She began her career behind the scenes, lending her voice to other artists and waiting patiently for her time. But launching her solo career in her 30s—an age many in the industry consider past prime—Tiwa broke that stereotype. Her success has since challenged conventional norms, proving that talent, consistency, and vision trump age and gender in today’s global music scene.

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Tiwa opens up about motherhood, describing how it both grounds and empowers her. Being a single mother in the spotlight isn’t easy, especially with constant travel and intense scrutiny, but she finds strength in her faith and her love for her son. That love fuels her desire to leave behind a meaningful legacy—not just as a performer, but as a woman who shifted the narrative.

The conversation digs deep into a recurring industry challenge—misogyny in Afrobeats. Tiwa Savage explains how women are often underpaid, under-promoted, and over-policed, especially when they dare to own their sexuality or demand what they deserve. Her rise was not just a climb up the charts, but an act of rebellion against a system built to sideline women.

And she didn’t stop at fame. Tiwa boldly speaks about owning her masters—a business move that few African artists, especially women, have made. After the success of her Celia album, she took control of her artistry and brand, demonstrating that creative freedom and financial ownership must go hand in hand.

In this new phase of her career, Tiwa is evolving. She’s stepping into a new sound, one that embraces her roots but stretches beyond the confines of Afrobeats. From hits like Koroba and Somebody’s Son, she’s continually proved her relevance, even in an era crowded with rising stars. Her sound is modern but deeply African, commercial yet personal—a fine balance that keeps her fanbase loyal across Nigeria, the UK, and the US.

Her spirituality is another cornerstone of her identity. While fame can be fleeting and brutal, Tiwa stays rooted in her relationship with God, which helps her handle the intense pressure of fame and decision-making in the cutthroat music industry.

This episode is more than an interview—it’s a masterclass in survival, strategy, and soul. Tiwa Savage is not just breaking records; she’s breaking barriers. For every young woman who thinks it's too late, or that the system is too stacked, Tiwa stands as proof that grace, grit, and God can defy any odds.


 

Tiwa Savage Announces New Album 'This One Is Personal' | News | Clash  Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews

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