Tiwa Savage 

Tiwatope Savage (born 5 February 1980), known professionally as Tiwa Savage (listen), is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress who has been called the Queen of Afrobeats. Born in Isale Eko, she relocated to London at the age of 11 for her secondary education. Five years later, she began her music career doing backup vocals for artists such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige. After participating in the UK edition of The X Factor and graduating from Berklee College of Music, Savage signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2009. Inspired by the growth of the Nigerian music industry, Savage moved back to Nigeria and signed with Mavin Records in 2012. She made an appearance on the label’s 2012
Born
Tiwatope Savage
5 February 1980 (age 43)
Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria
Alma mater
University of Kent, Berklee College of Music
Occupations
Singersongwriteractress
Spouse
Tunji Balogun
​
​(m. 2013; div. 2018)​[2]
Children
1
Awards
Full list
Musical career
Genres

Afrobeats R&B pophip hop soul

Instrument(s)
Vocals
Years active
1996–present
Labels
323 Universal Motown Capital Island

Her debut studio album Once Upon a Time was released on 3 July 2013. It was supported by seven singles: “Kele Kele Love”, “Love Me (3x)”, “Without My Heart”, “Ife Wa Gbona”, “Folarin”, “Olorun Mi” and “Eminado”. The album was nominated for Best Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and for Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2014. Savage’s second studio album, titled R.E.D, was released on 19 December 2015. It yielded two singles: “My Darlin” and “Standing Ovation”. In June 2016, Savage signed a management and publishing deal with Roc Nation.[8] In September 2017, she released her debut EP Sugarcane. R.E.D and Sugarcane have both been nominated for Best Album at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

In November 2018, Savage won Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards, becoming the first woman to win the category. In May 2019, she announced her record deal with Universal Music Group and exit from Mavin Records.[9] Savage’s third studio album Celia was released in August 2020. It produced four singles: “Attention”, “Dangerous Love”, “Koroba”, and “Temptation”. Her second extended play, titled Water & Garri, was released on 20 August 2021. Described by Savage as the “most spiritual journey through music so far”, the EP blends Afrobeat with soulful R&B. In March 2022, Savage announced the Water & Garri North American Tour in support of the EP. In July 2022, she received an honorary degree from the University of Kent during a graduation ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral.

Savage sings in English and Yoruba; her music is a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, pop and hip-hop.[10] Savage’s contributions to the Nigerian music industry have earned her several achievements. She has been involved in youth empowerment and breast cancer screening projects and has raised funds to build schools in Nigeria. Savage launched the We Are Tired charity foundation, an initiative aimed at providing legal support and representation to victims of sexual assault in Nigeria.