The fact is that, Tiwa Savage, a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer, has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful voice and infectious energy. Beyond her chart-topping hits and sold-out concerts, there's a fascinating story behind the woman who has become a global music icon. From her humble beginnings in Lagos, Nigeria, to her international success, Tiwa's journey is filled with unexpected twists, personal triumphs, and groundbreaking achievements.
Here are 10 facts about Tiwa Savage you did not know;
- Tiwa Savage was born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos, Nigeria. At the age of 11, she moved to London for her secondary education.
- Before her rise to fame, Tiwa worked as a backup singer for international artists like George Michael, Kelly Clarkson, Eminem, Destiny's Child, and Mary J. Blige.
- She graduated from the University of Kent with a degree in accounting and later attended Berklee College of Music in the United States. In July 2022, the University of Kent awarded her a Doctor of Music degree.
- Tiwa Savage signed with Sony Publishing in 2009 as a writer before signing with Mavin Records in 2012. She released her debut album, Once Upon a Time, in 2013. She later left Mavin Records in 2019 to join Universal Music Group.
- In 2014, she became the first female Nigerian artist to be nominated for a BET award and won the Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2018. Tiwa became the first African female to sell out London’s IndigO2, and she was handpicked by Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, to perform alongside Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, and Jay Z live at the Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg. She also became the first female African artist to play at the Wireless Music Festival in London.
- She knows how to play the trombone.
- Tiwa has plans to open a music school to give the opportunities she didn’t have to the next generation of emerging African musicians and business owners. “When kids are growing up, they see artists and want to get into music, but there are other avenues aside from being an artist. There’s songwriting, film scoring, composition, and production, and there’s even music therapy to communicate with disabled people. There are so many aspects of music that I want to educate people about, and that’s what I’m hoping this school will do.”
- She supports breast cancer awareness projects.
- Tiwa's marriage to Tunji Balogun (Tee Billz) was fraught with challenges, including public allegations of infidelity and financial mismanagement, leading to their divorce in 2016.
- In July 2024, Tiwa sparked engagement rumours when she posted a video featuring a diamond wedding ring on her fourth finger, igniting speculation about her relationship status.
