Tiwa Savage

Early Life and Background

Tiwatope Savage was born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria. Her early childhood was spent in the vibrant cultural landscape of Lagos, where she was exposed to various forms of music and art. At the tender age of 11, her family made the significant decision to relocate to London, England. This move marked a profound shift in her life, introducing her to a new environment and diverse musical influences. Adapting to a different culture presented its own set of challenges, but it also broadened her perspective and fueled her nascent passion for music. From a young age, Savage displayed a keen interest in singing and performing, often participating in school plays and musical groups.

Education

Upon moving to London, Tiwa Savage completed her secondary education in the United Kingdom. Following her high school studies, she pursued higher education at the University of Kent, where she enrolled in a Business Administration program. She successfully graduated with a degree in Business Administration, demonstrating her aptitude for both creative and analytical endeavors. However, her true calling remained music. Recognizing her deep-seated passion and raw talent, Savage made the pivotal decision to further her musical education. She received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. At Berklee, she immersed herself in professional music studies, graduating in 2007. This formal training provided her with a comprehensive understanding of music theory, vocal techniques, and songwriting, laying a solid foundation for her future career.

Career

Tiwa Savage's professional music journey began in the United Kingdom, where she honed her skills as a backup vocalist. Her exceptional vocal abilities quickly earned her opportunities to work with some of the biggest names in the international music industry. She provided background vocals for legendary artists such as George Michael, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Blu Cantrell, Emma Bunton (of Spice Girls fame), Kelly Clarkson, and Andrea Bocelli. This extensive experience not only refined her stage presence and vocal control but also provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of the global music business. Beyond backup vocals, Savage also established herself as a talented songwriter, penning tracks for various artists. Notably, she co-wrote the song "Collard Greens & Cornbread" for Fantasia Barrino's Grammy Award-winning album, Back to Me, released in 2010. In 2006, she participated in the third season of The X Factor UK, where she reached the top 24, gaining significant exposure and experience in competitive reality television.

In 2012, Tiwa Savage made the strategic decision to return to Nigeria, sensing the burgeoning potential and global appeal of the Afrobeats genre. Her return coincided with a period of rapid growth and international recognition for Nigerian music. Upon her return, she signed a recording contract with Mavin Records, a prominent Nigerian record label founded by music producer Don Jazzy. Prior to joining Mavin, she had already released her debut single, "Kele Kele Love," in 2010, which quickly became a hit across Nigeria and West Africa, announcing her arrival as a formidable solo artist. This was followed by other successful singles like "Love Me (3x)" and "Folarin."

Her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time, was released on July 3, 2013, through Mavin Records and 323 Entertainment. The album was a critical and commercial success, featuring a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, and included hit singles such as "Eminado" featuring Don Jazzy, "Oyi" featuring Flavour N'abania, and "Without My Heart." The album earned her nominations for Best Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2014. Her second studio album, R.E.D (Romance, Expression, Dance), was released on December 19, 2015. The album featured collaborations with major artists like Wizkid and Olamide, further solidifying her status. In 2016, Tiwa Savage achieved a significant international milestone by signing a management and publishing deal with Roc Nation, the American entertainment company founded by Jay-Z, becoming the first Nigerian artist to do so. This deal provided her with a global platform and expanded her reach. In May 2019, she announced her departure from Mavin Records and signed a groundbreaking global recording deal with Universal Music Group (UMG), further cementing her international presence. Under UMG, she released her third studio album, Celia, on August 27, 2020, through Motown Records. Named after her mother, Celia featured collaborations with international stars such as Sam Smith, Davido, Stefflon Don, and Naira Marley, receiving widespread critical acclaim.

Beyond her music career, Tiwa Savage has also ventured into acting, appearing in the third and fourth seasons of MTV's Shuga series, which addresses social issues like HIV/AIDS awareness. She has also been a prominent brand ambassador for numerous multinational companies, including Pepsi, Forte Oil, Maggi, Pampers, and MTN, leveraging her widespread popularity for various commercial campaigns.

Major Achievements

Tiwa Savage holds a distinguished place in African music history, having achieved numerous groundbreaking feats. She is widely regarded as one of the pioneers who paved the way for female artists in the predominantly male-dominated Nigerian music industry. In 2018, she made history by becoming the first African female artist to win the Best African Act award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. She also holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian female artist to be nominated for a BET Award in the Best International Act: Africa category in 2014, a nomination she received again in subsequent years. Her trophy cabinet includes multiple MTV Africa Music Awards for Best Female, several Headies Awards for categories like Best Vocal Performance (Female) and Best R&B/Pop Album, and numerous City People Entertainment Awards for Female Musician of the Year. Her music has been featured on international charts and playlists, and she has performed at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, including the Global Citizen Festival. Her ability to seamlessly blend traditional African sounds with contemporary R&B and pop has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted global fanbase.

Personal Life

Tiwa Savage's personal life has also been a subject of public interest. She married Tunji "Tee Billz" Balogun, her former manager, in a lavish traditional ceremony held in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, on November 23, 2013. This was followed by a grand white wedding ceremony that took place on April 26, 2014, at the Armani Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, attracting significant media attention. On July 22, 2015, the couple welcomed their son, Jamil Balogun, into the world. However, their marriage faced significant public challenges and ultimately ended in divorce. In October 2021, Tiwa Savage became the subject of widespread media discussion and controversy when a private video of her was leaked online. She publicly addressed the issue, speaking out against the invasion of privacy and the societal pressures faced by public figures.

Legacy

Tiwa Savage's legacy is multifaceted and profound. She has undeniably broken numerous barriers for female artists within the African music landscape, demonstrating that women can achieve global stardom and critical acclaim in a highly competitive industry. Her success has inspired a new generation of aspiring female musicians across Africa, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with tenacity and artistic integrity. Savage has been a crucial ambassador for Afrobeats, contributing significantly to its global expansion and helping to place African music on the international map. Her distinctive voice, powerful songwriting, and captivating stage presence have made her an icon of resilience and artistic excellence. She is celebrated not only for her musical prowess but also for her unwavering commitment to her craft and her ability to navigate both professional triumphs and personal challenges with grace and strength. Tiwa Savage continues to be a formidable force in the music industry, consistently pushing boundaries and representing African culture on a global scale.