Tiwa Savage facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tiwa Savage
A studio photo of Savage in 2013
Born	Tiwatope Omolara Savage (1980-02-05) 5 February 1980 (age 45) Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria
Alma mater	University of Kent, Berklee College of Music
Occupation	Singer songwriter actress
Notable work	Discography
Spouse(s)	Tunji Balogun ​ ​ (m. 2013; div. 2018)​
Children	1
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Genres	Afrobeats R&B pop hip hop soul
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1996–present
Labels	323 Universal Motown Capital Island

Tiwatope Omolara Savage (born February 5, 1980), known by her stage name Tiwa Savage, is a famous Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She is known for mixing different music styles like Afrobeats, R&B, and pop. She sings in English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba. Her work in music has won her many awards.

Born in Isale Eko, Nigeria, Tiwa moved to London when she was 11. She started her music career at 16, singing backup for stars like George Michael and Mary J. Blige. After studying at the Berklee College of Music, she signed a deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2009.

Inspired by Nigeria's growing music scene, she moved back and joined Mavin Records in 2012. In 2018, she became the first woman to win the Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. In 2019, she signed a major record deal with Universal Music Group.

Life and Career

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Tiwatope Savage was born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria. When she was 11, her family moved to London. In high school, she played the trombone in the orchestra. She later earned a degree in accounting from the University of Kent.

At age 16, she was already singing backup for famous artists like George Michael, Mary J. Blige, and Kelly Clarkson. To improve her skills, she attended the Berklee College of Music and graduated in 2007 with a degree in professional music. She said the passion of the younger students there motivated her.

In 2006, Savage was a contestant on the UK's The X Factor. She made it to the final 24. She said it was a painful time when she didn't make it to the final 12, but it taught her to be strong in public.

In 2009, she signed a deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. This allowed her to write songs for major artists like Babyface and Fantasia. Her songwriting for Fantasia's "Collard Greens & Cornbread" helped the song get a Grammy nomination. She also sang background vocals on Whitney Houston's 2009 album I Look to You.

Rise to Fame in Nigeria

Tiwa Savage performing in 2012

In 2012, Tiwa Savage moved back to Nigeria to join the growing music industry. She signed with Mavin Records and appeared on their album Solar Plexus. She also co-hosted the second season of the TV show Nigerian Idol.

Her first album, Once Upon a Time, was released on July 3, 2013. She named it to inspire other young artists and show them that dreams can come true. The album had seven hit singles, including "Kele Kele Love" and "Eminado". It was nominated for Best Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

Savage has also been involved in charity work. She helps with youth empowerment and breast cancer awareness projects. She has also helped raise money to build schools in her hometown.

Successful Albums and Global Recognition

On January 31, 2014, Savage released the song "Love in Yellow" for Valentine's Day. Later that year, she was featured on the hit song "Dorobucci" with other Mavin Records artists. She also performed at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards.

Her second album, R.E.D, came out on December 19, 2015. The title stands for Romance, Expression, and Dance. It featured artists like Olamide and 2face Idibia. The album was so popular that it became the most-streamed album on the MTN Music platform within 24 hours.

In 2016, Savage signed a management deal with Roc Nation, an American entertainment company. This made her the first Nigerian artist to sign with the label. In 2017, she released her first EP, Sugarcane, which was also nominated for Best Album of the Year.

The "Queen of Afrobeats"

Around 2017, many people in the media started calling Tiwa Savage the "Queen of Afrobeats." Magazines like Glamour and The New York Times used this title to describe her.

However, Savage has said she doesn't think she's the only one who deserves the title. She believes other female artists, like Yemi Alade and Simi, work just as hard and are also queens of the genre.

Recent Work and Achievements

In May 2019, Savage signed a seven-year deal with Universal Music Group, one of the biggest music companies in the world. Her first single with them was "49-99".

Her third album, Celia, was released in August 2020. She named it after her mother to honor women everywhere. The album was a mix of Afrobeats, soul, and R&B and was named one of the 10 Best Albums of 2020 by Time magazine.

In 2021, she released her second EP, Water & Garri. It featured American music stars like Nas and Brandy. In 2022, she went on a North American tour to support the EP.

On July 15, 2022, the University of Kent gave her an honorary doctorate degree in music. This was to recognize her inspiring international career.

In 2023, Savage co-produced and starred in a movie called Water and Garri, inspired by her EP. On May 7, 2023, she performed at the Coronation Concert for King Charles III at Windsor Castle. On February 26, 2025, she was featured on the single "Commitment" by British singer Craig David.

Personal Life

Tiwa Savage was married to Tunji "Tee Billz" Balogun. They had a traditional wedding in Nigeria in 2013 and a white wedding in Dubai in 2014. In 2015, they had a son. The couple later separated.

On June 8, 2021, Savage had a public disagreement with fellow singer Seyi Shay. A video of their argument was shared online.

Influence

Tiwa Savage is seen as a role model for many young artists. In 2017, she was named one of the BBC's 100 most inspirational and innovative women. Artists like Ayra Starr have said that Savage is one of their biggest musical influences.

Discography

Studio albums

• Once Upon a Time (2013)
• R.E.D (2015)
• Celia (2020)

EPs

• Sugarcane (2017)
• Water & Garri (2021)

Television and Plays

See also

In Spanish: Tiwa Savage para niños

• List of awards and nominations received by Tiwa Savage
• Tiwa Savage discography