After a five-year hiatus from major releases, Afrobeats diva and self-professed Africa original bad girl, Tiwatope Omolara Savage better known as Tiwa Savage has come through with her highly anticipated album, This One Is Personal.

Released on Friday, August 29, the 13-track album delves into themes of pain, growth, and resilience, wrapped in a super intimate Afrobeats vibe. Tiwa in a question and answer session on Tuesday, August 26, via X, revealed that the project took over two years to complete.

“The album is here,” she wrote. “Over two years. Recorded in Nashville, Malibu, San Francisco, London, Lagos. It has been a journey bringing this to life. Blood, sweat and literal tears included.” It showcases Tiwa’s artistry on full display with minimal collabs — just UK’s Skepta and up-and-coming star Taves.

The Somebody’s Son hitmaker added that the limited collaboration was intentional, stressing that it allowed her to convey her story authentically without distractions. “This album is my story, so I kept the features limited. I wanted you all to feel me in every song.

“The few features I chose were very intentional, with people who understood the vision and could add to the message without taking away from its intimacy. It’s less about numbers and more about connection,” she said.

The Kele Kele Love crooner, who has largely refrained from releasing a full studio album since 2020, describes the latest project as a reflection of her personal journey over the past five years. She noted that this time, she navigated career transitions, motherhood, and self-discovery.

“Some of these records were born out of pain and very dark times and some were from times that were brighter but every single song, every single vibe is something I went through. This record isn’t about proving anything to anyone.

It is me pouring my emotions in notes and creating music from my heart. Releasing this into the world almost feels like giving you guys a chunk of my heart. I’m immensely grateful. This one is personal and it really is,” Tiwa stated.

Pix: Tiwa Savage

By Daniel Anazia