Biography
Tiwa Savage, born Tiwatope Omolara Savage on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria, moved to London at age 11 for secondary education. She began her music career at 16 as a backup vocalist for artists like George Michael, Mary J. Blige, and Andrea Bocelli, while studying Business Administration at the University of Kent and later earning a degree in professional music from Berklee College of Music in 2007 on a full scholarship. After signing a publishing deal with Sony/ATV in 2009, she wrote for artists including Fantasia (earning a Grammy nomination) and Monica, before returning to Nigeria in 2012 to join Mavin Records.
Her debut album Once Upon a Time (2013) blended Afrobeats, pop, R&B, and Yoruba lyrics, featuring hits like 'Kele Kele Love' and 'Eminado', and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. She released Celia (2020), praised by Time as one of the year's best albums, after signing with Universal Music Group in 2019. Known as the 'Queen of Afrobeats', Savage became the first woman to win Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards, sold out London's Indigo at The O2 as the first African woman to do so, and appeared on Billboard's Africa cover.
Savage's legacy includes philanthropy via youth empowerment, breast cancer screening, school-building in her hometown, and the We Are Tired foundation (2020) supporting sexual assault victims. She has endorsement deals with Pepsi and MTN, hosted Nigerian Idol, acted, and founded 323 Entertainment with ex-husband Tunji 'Tee Billz' Balogun.
Fun Facts
- Participated in the UK edition of The X Factor in 2006, reaching the final 24.
- First African woman to appear on the front cover of Billboard Magazine’s Africa issue and to sell out London's Indigo at The O2.
- Named her 2020 album Celia after her mother to honor women everywhere.
- Has written songs for international stars like Beyoncé, Babyface, and Kat Deluna.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Keith Harris - Advised her to attend Berklee College of Music (Facilitated full scholarship) [Early 2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Mavin Records - Signed as artist and developed career (Debut album Once Upon a Time (2013)) [2012-2019]
- Fantasia - Songwriting collaboration ('Collard Greens & Cornbread' (Grammy-nominated))
- Brandy - Featured artist on track ('Somebody’s Son') [Recent]
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Dhee, Tiwa Savage, Santhosh Narayanan & Wondagurl has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.