Are you ready to read about Tiwa Savage Biography? Tiwatope Omolara Savage was born in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria.
If you are into Afrobeats, there is no way you wouldn’t know who Tiwa Savage is! She is a powerhouse vocalist who’s been setting stages on fire and making Nigeria proud on the global music scene.
Tiwa Savage was born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos. This music goddess went from being another Lagos girl with big dreams to becoming one of Africa’s biggest music exports.
Fans do not just call her the Queen of Afrobeats. She really is, with her unforgettable hooks and magnetic stage performances.
But how did she get there, you might wonder? Let’s go into the nitty gritty of Tiwa Savages biography. Trust me, it’s one heck of a journey that will make you both inspired and entertained!
Table of Content
Tiwa Savage’s Educational Background
Tiwa Savage’s Musical Breakthrough
Tiwa Savage’s Awards and Recognitions
Tiwa Savage Feud with Seyi Shay and Leaked Video
Profile Summary of Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage Biography
Tiwatope Savage, whom you probably know better as Tiwa Savage, is the force behind some of your favorite Afrobeats hits.
She was born in Lagos on February 5, 1980, and her story is not the typical straight-to-stardom one. At 11, she moved to London, where her musical journey really kicked off, starting as a backup singer for George Michael and Mary J. Blige.
After trying her luck on the UK’s X Factor and sharpening her skills at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Tiwa made a bold move that would change everything. Instead of staying in the comfort of the Western music scene, she returned to Nigeria in 2012 after joining Mavin Records.
Then she started cooking up hits that would make her impossible to ignore. From her debut album Once Upon a Time to bangers like Kele Kele Love and Ma Lo. By 2018, she was the first woman to win Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
What really makes Tiwa special is that she’s not just a singer but an artist who mixes Afrobeats, R&B, and pop like nobody’s business, dropping lyrics in both English and Yoruba. These days, she’s rocking stages worldwide, signed with Universal Music Group, and even has an honorary degree from the University of Kent.
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Tiwa Savage’s Educational Background
Tiwa Savage moved to London at age 11, where she attended secondary school and played trombone in her school’s orchestra. She then went on to study at the University of Kent, earning a degree in accounting, and even worked at The Royal Bank of Scotland.
Tiwa Savage balanced her early education with backup vocals for artists like George Michael at age 16 and later for Mary J. Blige and Kelly Clarkson. In 2007, she graduated from Berklee College of Music with a professional music degree and participated in The X Factor UK, making it to the final 24.
Tiwa Savage’s Early Career
After graduating from the University of Kent, Tiwa Savage started her professional journey at the Royal Bank of Scotland. She balanced a corporate career with her growing passion for music.
At just 16, Tiwa landed her first major musical gig as a backup vocalist for George Michael. This gig opened doors to collaborations with some of the biggest names of music, and she lent her voice to tracks by Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Blu Cantrell, and even Andrea Bocelli.
These experiences exposed her to different musical styles and the inner workings of the industry.
She later left her banking career behind and sharpened her skills at Berklee College of Music, earning a degree in professional music. Her transition from backup singer to solo artist wasn’t immediate; she spent time writing songs for artists like Fantasia, Monica, and Mýa under a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
One of her notable successes was contributing to Fantasia’s Collard Greens & Cornbread, which earned a Grammy nomination in 2010.
Looking to join Nigeria’s booming music scene, Tiwa moved back home in 2012, signing with Mavin Records.
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Tiwa Savage’s Musical Breakthrough
Tiwa Savage’s breakthrough didn’t happen overnight; it was a climb that started in 2012 when she returned to Nigeria and signed with Mavin Records. Her first hit single, Kele Kele Lov,e turned heads, but her debut album, Once Upon a Time, in 2013, really announced her arrival.
The album dropped hit after hit, from Love Me (3x) to Eminado, establishing her as a force in the African music scene.
By 2015, Tiwa was no longer just another voice in Nigerian music; she was becoming its heartbeat. Her second album, R.E.D., showed her evolution as an artist, with tracks like My Darlin’ and Standing Ovation dominating airwaves across the continent.
This success caught the attention of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, leading to a groundbreaking international management deal in 2016, which was the first for an African artist.
But it was 2018 that really sealed her status as African music royalty. When she won Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards, she didn’t just win a trophy, she made history as the first woman to claim the title. By 2019, she had signed a global deal with Universal Music Group, proving she was ready for an even bigger stage.
Her 2020 album Celia wasn’t just another release; it was named one of the year’s best albums by Time Magazine, confirming what her fans already knew.
Collaborations
- Eminado (feat. Don Jazzy) 2013
- Bad (feat. Wizkid) 2016
- Wizkid: Featured on the track Ma Lo from her EP Sugarcane (2017).
- Olamide: Collaborated on the song Duro Timi for her second album, R.E.D (2015).
- Naira Marley: Featured on the song Temptation from her album Celia (2020).
- Sam Smith: Collaborated on the track Temptation from Celia (2020).
- Beyoncé: Co-wrote and featured on Keys to the Kingdom for the soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift (2019).
- Brandy: Featured on Somebody’s Son from her EP Water & Garri (2021).
- Somebody’s Son (feat. Brandy) 2021
- Don Jazzy: Dorobucci (2014), Adaobi (2014)
- Reekado Banks: Lova Lova (2018)
- Dorobucci (2014): Dr Sid, Korede Bello, Di’ja, , D’prince
- Tiwa’s Vibe: Koo Koo Fun (Remixes, 2023)
Tiwa Savage’s Record Label
Tiwa Savage has been associated with several record labels throughout her career, which has significantly impacted her musical journey. In 2009, she signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which allowed her to write for various international artists, including Babyface and Fantasia.
In 2012, she joined Mavin Records, becoming one of the label’s leading acts and contributing to its compilation album Solar Plexus. While with Mavin, she released her debut album, Once Upon a Time (2013), and her second album, R.E.D (2015).
In 2019, Savage signed a global record deal with Universal Music Group, marking a significant milestone as the first African female artist to achieve such a feat. This partnership has expanded her reach and influence in the global music market, allowing her to release music in over 60 countries.
Discography
Tiwa Savage’s discography includes several albums, EPs, and singles that showcase her versatility and talent. Key releases include:
Albums
- Once Upon a Time (2013)
- R.E.D (2015)
- Sugarcane (2018)
- Celia (2020)
Singles:
- Love Me (3x)
- Without My Heart
- Ife Wa Gbona
- Folarin
- Olorun Mi
- Eminado
- My Darlin
- Standing Ovation
- Attention
- Dangerous Love
- Temptation
- Ma Lo
- Water & Garri (2021)
- Fever (2018)
- 49-99 (2019)
- Somebody’s Son (2021)
- Temptation
- Kele Kele Love (2012)
- If I Start to Talk (2014)
- All Over (2017)
- Koroba (2020)
- Fever (2018)
- 49-99 (2019)
- Lova Lova (2018)
- Jaiye Foreign (2022)
- Overloading (from Chapter X, 2022)
- Won Da Mo (from Chapter X, 2022)
- Loaded (2022)
- Stamina (2023)
- Gbese (2023)
- Who Is Your Guy? (2023)
- Who Is Your Guy? (Remix) (2023)
- No Wahala (2022)
- No Wahala (Remix) (2022)
- Terminator (Remix) (2023)
- Ello Baby (2019)
- Dorobucci (feat. Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Reekado Banks, Di’ja, Korede Bello & D’prince, 2014)
- Adaobi (feat. Don Jazzy, Di’ja, Reekado Banks & Korede Bello, 2014)
- Keys To The Kingdom (from The Lion King: The Gift, 2019)
- Kilimanjaro (Water & Garri, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 2024)
- Koo Koo Fun (Remixes, 2023)
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Tiwa Savage’s Artistry
Tiwa Savage’s music is characterized by her distinctive vocal style and ability to fuse various genres, including Afrobeat, R&B, and pop. Her lyrics often reflect personal experiences, love, and empowerment, resonating deeply with her audience.
Tiwa Savage’s Awards and Recognitions
1. 2020
African Video of the Year: 49-99 (Soundcity MVP Awards)
2. 2019
Best Female West Africa: AFRIMA
3. 2018
Best Female West Africa: AFRIMA
Best African Act: MTV Europe Music Awards
4. 2017
Best Female West Africa: AFRIMA
5. 2015
Best Collabo Song: Girlie O (Remix) (COSON Song Awards)
6. 2014
Best Reggae/Dancehall Single: The Headies
7. 2014
Most Gifted Female: Channel O Music Video Awards for Eminado (featuring Don Jazzy)
8. 2014
Female Artist of the Year: Nigeria Entertainment Awards
9. 2014
Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year: Nigeria Entertainment Awards
10. 2014
Best Female: MTV Africa Music Awards
11. 2012
Best Highlife: Nigeria Entertainment Awards
12. 2012
Best Vocal Performance (Female): Love Me (3x) (The Headies)
13. 2012
Most Gifted R&B Music Video of the Year: Oyi (Remix) (Channel O Music Video Awards)
14. 2011
Female Musician of the Year: City People Entertainment Awards
15. 2011
Best R&B Soul Song: Kele Kele Love (Afrotainment Museke Online Music Awards)
16. 2011
Most Stylish Female Artiste: FAB Magazine Awards
17. 2011
Most Promising Act: Dynamix All Youth Awards
Tiwa Savage’s Personal Life
Tiwa Savage was married to Tunji Tee Billz Balogun, and their traditional marriage took place on November 23, 2013, at the Ark in Lekki.
They celebrated their white wedding on April 26, 2014, at the Armani Hotel in Dubai. The couple announced they were expecting their first child on January 1, 2015, and they welcomed their son six months later.
However, their marriage faced turmoil when, on April 28, 2016, Balogun publicly accused Savage of infidelity and also made allegations against her mother.
In a detailed interview with This Day newspaper and Pulse Nigeria, Savage addressed these accusations, denying the infidelity claims and instead highlighting her husband’s financial irresponsibility, drug addiction, and abandonment. She ultimately declared that their marriage was over.
Also, Tiwa Savage’s father passed away on July 19, 2021, after battling an undisclosed illness.
Tiwa Savage Feud with Seyi Shay and Leaked Video
Public controversies, including a notable feud with fellow artist Seyi Shay, have also marked Tiwa Savage’s personal life.
On June 8, 2021, the two were in a heated verbal exchange at a salon in Lekki, Lagos. A viral video captured the moment, showing Savage reacting negatively to Seyi Shay’s greeting, which escalated into a back-and-forth exchange filled with insults.
This conflict was rooted in a history of tension, as Seyi Shay had previously recorded a diss track in 2017 that included derogatory remarks about Savage.
In October 2021, Savage faced another significant challenge when she revealed that she had been blackmailed over a leaked intimate video. The video featuring her and her partner was accidentally uploaded to Snapchat and quickly deleted.
However, someone managed to capture it before it was taken down and threatened to release it unless they received monetary compensation.
Savage chose to stand her ground, refusing to pay the blackmailer. Instead, she decided to take control of the narrative by publicly discussing the incident during an interview with Angie Martinez on Power 105.1.
Tiwa Savage’s Net Worth
As of 2024, Tiwa Savage’s estimated net worth is around $10 million. She has amassed wealth through her music career, endorsements, and business ventures, making her one of Africa’s most successful female artists.
Tiwa Savage’s Social Media
Twitter: @Tiwasavage
Instagram: @tiwasavage
Facebook: @tiwasavage
Profile Summary of Tiwa Savage
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tiwatope Omolara Savage |
| Stage Name | Tiwa Savage |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Performer |
| Genres | Afrobeats, R&B, Pop |
| Educational Background |
|
| Career Start | Backup vocalist for George Michael, Mary J. Blige, and others at age 16 |
| Debut Album | Once Upon a Time (2013) |
| Major Labels | Mavin Records, Universal Music Group |
| Breakthrough Hits | Kele Kele Love, Eminado, Ma Lo, All Over, 49-99, Somebody’s Son |
| Awards & Achievements |
|
| Collaborations |
|
| Net Worth | Not officially disclosed but estimated in millions (in USD) |
| Personal Life |
|
| Notable Controversies |
|
| Discography |
|
| Artistry | Fuses Afrobeats, R&B, and pop with lyrics in English and Yoruba; known for empowering themes and dynamic stage presence |
| Early Career Highlights |
|
| Philanthropy | Active in initiatives empowering women and supporting education |
