By Tracy Fletcher
Tiwa Savage is undoubtedly one of Nigerian most outstanding and successful musicians who has inspired many youths with her music. In this interview with Tracy Fletcher, she bares her mind on the journey so far and how it all started.
A trailblazer and a known voice, Tiwa Savage is a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry, and the world at large. She sat down with Tracey Chizoba Fletcher, for half an hour, letting us into her world and what makes her tick. Let us into your background?
I am Tiwatope Savage, a singer, songwriter, and actress. Born in Isale Eko, I moved with my family to England, at the age of eleven. I graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Kent, and worked for a while at The Royal Bank of Scotland. I began my music career by doing backup vocals for artists such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige at the age of sixteen, before I went full-time into music. I attended Berklee College of Music on scholarship.
How were you able to break into the Nigerian music industry?
I started singing in Nigeria around 2010. My self-released single, produced by Harmony Samuels, “Kele Kele Love”, was a massive hit that launched me into the limelight. In 2012, I got signed to Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, and in 2013, my debut album, Once Upon a Time, was released. From then till date, I have released two more albums, and my latest EP Water & Garrie, which features “Somebody’s Son” with my role model, Brandy. I have received multiple awards, as well as endorsements and ambassadorial deals.
How do you see the entertainment industry in Nigeria, in the year 2021?
I must say that the Nigerian entertainment industry has grown in leaps and bounds, and has morphed into the global scene. We have representations through both genders, and we are making a name for ourselves, especially with the Grammy win by Burnaboy, and wins by Davido and Wizkid on the international scene. Tems is equally making a name for herself. I like to believe that in Africa, we are number one.
Concerning the female gender, whom do you enjoy listening to?
We all have different sounds and style. Yemi Alade is into Afropop and Afrobeats. Tems is an Rnb/Soul singer, with an infusion of Afropop. But we enjoy their music. I love listening to all.
How about collaborations? We don’t seem to see enough of that with the females in the Nigerian music industry.
A lot is going on behind the scene. Yes, there aren’t enough collaborations. Remember though that the population of female singers can’t be compared to that of the male, so there will be less representation in that regard. However, I believe that it will get better.
We have seen cases where some male artists act as mentors to aspiring artists and create a platform for them to grow. When will we begin to see the same with the female artists?
Like I said earlier, the ratio isn’t the same. It is very difficult to break into the Nigerian music industry because it is male-dominated. So I doff my hat to every female who chooses to toe this path. Some female artists are struggling to find their footing, so it’s pretty difficult helping someone else. But I believe that if we can join hands and work together, the future will be better for a Nigerian female artist.
What do you project for the entertainment industry in the future?
For greater musical collaborations, more wins on the world stage, and more acceptance of our music. I will equally love to see more platforms created to assist struggling artists, as well as the creation of more record labels that know their onions and won’t seek to exploit their artists.
Nollywood has become a household name, with such quality movies that do well at the cinemas. I have had a few stints in acting, my most recent: Black is King in 2020. Now, people want to be identified with Nollywood. I wish for more international collaborations as well as major investment by the government and the private sector, to encourage more growth. Nollywood is definitely, going places.
Thank you so much for your time, Tiwa Savage.
