Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage
Tiwa at RED Album listening party. Photo Source: LindaIkeji Blog

Tiwa Savage, Afro pop singer was born in Lagos in February 1980 as the youngest and the only girl among male siblings. At the age of eleven, she was moved with family to London, where as a fresh migrant kid, she had attempted to integrate into the circle to which she was endeared in High School by singing popular songs. When she approached school music master she was introduced to the trombone. Later, she joined the choir. Tiwa’s interest in professional music making preceded her entrance into the University, but she went to the Kent University for a degree in Business Administration. This, she followed with a study of Jazz and Music business at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

After stumbling upon the art of song writing, Tiwa Savage had written songs on demand, with songs by American artists Mary J. Blige, Mya, and Monica in her portfolio. She had studio sessions with hit makers like The Underdogs, James Fauntleroy, Frank Ocean and Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds. Also, she joined in backing up Whitney Huston in I Look To You. There in Los Angeles, where she had relocated from Boston and New York, she met record scout, Tunji Balogun who convinced her to join the Nigerian music industry. Shortly before leaving for Lagos in 2010, she released a highly choreographed music video, Kele Kele Love, which was followed by good reviews. Unkind comments in the press however led her into shortening her stay. Toughened up Tiwa followed this with Love Me, Love Me, and after joining the ranks of Don Jazy’s records group, released her debut album, which consisted of upbeat Eminado, and Without My Heart.

Within six years of her career in Nigeria, Tiwa Savage released two studio albums and gotten numerous awards, including one from BET and MTV Africa Music. She is also ambassador to global brand, Pepsi, and Pampers. Tiwa’s dream of breaking into international music market was rekindled with her inclusion in American star, Jay Z’s record.Early in 2016, her husband, who once doubled as her manager, Tunji Balogun, erupted with damning revelations about their marriage. Tiwa replied with a sober video interview, effectively admitting there had been deep troubles. In 2021, she released the very succesful single, Somebody’s Son, which she did with American singer, Brandy, who had been her inspiration from teenage.

Contributor:
Tope Apoola
Profession: Writer