Tiwa Savage… The reign of Afrobeats goddess

Last weekend, the Internet was agog at the performance of Afrobeats singer, songwriter and actress, Tiwa Savage at King Charles III’s coronation concert held at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, in the United Kingdom. This makes her the first Nigerian artist to perform for a British monarch’s coronation.

Tiwa was dressed in a custom wardrobe that showcased Nigerian heritage, her bespoke green shimmering gown by fashion designer Lanre Da Silva was complemented by green nails and green Louboutin heels.

Performing to the admiration of an over 20,000 audience at the venue with over 18 million viewers globally, Savage serenaded with the song, ‘Keys to the Kingdom’ which she recorded with Mr. Eazi featured on Beyoncé’s album, ‘The Lion King’, released in July 2019.

Savage, who thrilled the audience with her beautiful voice, was joined by an ensemble of violinists, drummers and backing vocalists to give sonorous tunes in Yoruba language.

She didn’t fail to deliver her electrifying performance as two ‘Bata’ (Talking drums) drummers came to play beside her, leaving the well-packed concert attendees screaming with ecstasy.

The concert also featured performances from global music icons, including Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Nicole Scherzinger, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, Freya Ridings, Alexis Ffrench, Andrea Bocelli, and Sir Bryn Terfel.

Born in Isale Eko, 43 years ago, Savage relocated to London at age 11 for her secondary education. Afterwards, she attended University of Kent, England and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. She also holds a professional music degree from Berklee College of Music, Boston in 2007.

She began her music career doing backup vocals for American artists George Michael and Mary J. Blige. In 2006, Savage participated in the UK edition of The X Factor and advanced to the final 24 but ended up being the 12th person to be evicted. In December 2011, Savage co-hosted the second season of Nigerian Idol alongside IllRymz. She made her acting debut with Joke Silva and Ireti Doyle in the stage adaptation of For Coloured Girls.

She joined Mavin Records in 2012 and was one of the lead acts on the label’s compilation album, ‘Solar Plexus’ in 2012. Her debut studio album Once Upon a Time was released in 2013 and was supported by seven singles: Kele Kele Love, Love Me (3x), Without My Heart, Ife Wa Gbona, Folarin, Olorun Mi and Eminado.

Savage’s second studio album, titled ‘R.E.D’, was released on 19th of December 2015. It yielded two singles: My Darlin and Standing Ovation. She also released her debut EP Sugarcane.

In May 2019, she announced her record deal with Universal Music Group and exit from Mavin Records. Savage’s third studio album Celia was released in August 2020. It produced four singles, Attention, Dangerous Love, Koroba, and Temptation. Her second EP, titled Water & Garri, was released on 20th of August 2021.

In July 2022, she received an honorary degree from the University of Kent during a graduation ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral. She was awarded a Doctor in Music award for her inspirational and international career in music.

This year, she announced on Instagram that she co-produced the upcoming film Water and Garri with Meji Alabi. Savage’s second EP Water & Garri inspired the film’s title. She also played the lead role in the film shot in Cape Coast, Ghana, which also featured Mike Afolarin, Andrew Bunting, and Jemima Osunde in supporting roles.

Savage wrote and performed the film’s original soundtrack, and will serve as an executive producer along with Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna. The film depicts the story of Aisha, a U.S-based fashion designer who returns to her homeland to confront her past guilt.

Savage appeared on BBC’s list of the 100 inspirational and innovative women for 2017. She also made the Women4Africa 2022 Goldlist. Artists such as Ayra Starr and Brettina have cited Savage as one of their key musical influences.

Amongst her awards and recognition are: Most Stylish Female Artiste, FAB Magazine Awards, 2011; Most Promising Act, Dynamix All Youth Awards, 2011; Female Musician of the Year, City People Entertainment Awards, 2012; The Best Vocal Performance (Female), The Headies, 2012; Nigeria Entertainment Award, Best New Act of the Year and Best POP /R&B Artist of the Year, 2012.

Savage also bagged, best Female West Africa, African Muzik Magazine Awards, 2014; MTV Africa Music Awards, Best Female Award, 2014; Best International Act Africa, BET Awards, 2014; World’s Best Live Act and World’s Best Entertainer of the Year, World Music Award, 2014; World Revelation and Artiste of the Year, The Headies, 2014; MOBO Awards, Best African Act and Musician of the Year (Female) 2013; Female Musician of the Year, City People Entertainment Awards, 2014; and Female Artist and Best POP/R&B Artist of the Year, Nigeria Entertainment Awards, 2014.

Savage also won the Best African Act, MOBO Awards, 2014; African Artiste of the Year, Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, 2015; Best Brand Ambassador for MTN, ELOY Awards, 2015; Female Artiste of the Year, City People Award, 2015; One Africa Music fest – Best African Performance, WatsUp TV Awards 2016 and Best African Act, MTN Europe Music Awards, 2018.