Tiwatope Omolara Savage (born February 5, 1980), known professionally as Tiwa Savage, is a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. Celebrated for her dynamic blend of afrobeats, R&B, pop, afropop, and hip-hop, Tiwa sings in English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin, bridging cultural and musical worlds. With a career that has redefined African music on a global scale, she stands as one of the most influential female artists in contemporary African entertainment.
Born in Isale Eko, Lagos, Nigeria, Tiwa relocated to London at age 11. She developed a passion for music early, playing trombone in her school’s orchestra. Her professional journey began at 16, providing backup vocals for George Michael, and later working with global stars such as Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Kelly Clarkson, and Whitney Houston. After earning a degree in accounting from the University of Kent and working at The Royal Bank of Scotland, Tiwa pursued her musical ambitions full-time, graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2007 with a degree in professional music.
In 2006, she participated in the UK edition of The X Factor, reaching the final 24 contestants. Though eliminated before the finals, the experience fueled her resilience and artistry. In 2009, she signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music, earning songwriting credits for artists like Babyface, Fantasia, Monica, and Kat DeLuna. Her co-writing on Fantasia’s “Collard Greens & Cornbread” contributed to a Grammy-nominated album.
Motivated by the rapid rise of the Nigerian music scene, Tiwa moved back to Nigeria in 2012 and signed with Mavin Records, debuting on the label’s compilation album Solar Plexus. Her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time (2013), introduced hits like “Kele Kele Love” and “Eminado”, earning multiple award nominations. She followed up with the successful R.E.D. (2015) and the Sugarcane EP (2017), featuring singles “All Over” and “Ma Lo.”
In 2018, Tiwa made history as the first woman to win Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. The following year, she signed a global recording deal with Universal Music Group, marking her exit from Mavin Records. Her third studio album, Celia (2020), featured standout singles like “Koroba” and “Dangerous Love.” In 2021, she released the Water & Garri EP, a fusion of Afrobeat and soulful R&B, supported by a North American tour in 2022.
Tiwa Savage’s artistry, resilience, and global appeal have solidified her as a trailblazing icon in African music and a role model for generations to come.