Tiwa Savage
Musician, Actress
Biography
Tiwa Savage is a famous singer and actor from Nigeria. Many people call her the "Queen of Afrobeats" because she has led the African music world for more than ten years. She is known for her strong voice and great performances.
She grew up in Lagos but moved to London when she was 11. There, she studied music and finished school at a top college. At first, she sang behind famous stars like Mary J. Blige. Later, she moved back home to start her own path.
Her first hit song in 2010 made her a star. Since that time, she has made many popular records and won many prizes. She has also worked with big names like Beyoncé. Tiwa helped women succeed in her industry and showed African music to the whole world.
Early Life
Tiwatope Omolara Savage was born on February 5, 1980, in Lagos, Nigeria. She grew up in a small family with her parents and two older brothers. At age 11, she moved to London for school. There, she played the trombone in the school band. After finishing high school, she earned a business degree from the University of Kent.
Because she loved music, she later moved to the United States to study at Berklee College of Music. She finished her music degree in 2007. While living abroad, she worked at a bank but kept practicing her singing. Growing up in both Nigeria and England helped her create a special sound that mixes different cultures.
Career
Tiwa Savage started singing professionally at age 16. She sang behind famous stars such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige. In 2006, she joined the UK show The X Factor and made it into the top 24 players. She later moved to the United States to write songs for artists like Babyface and Monica under a deal with Sony.
In 2012, she went home to Nigeria to join the local music scene. She signed with Mavin Records and put out her first album, "Once Upon a Time," in 2013. Her music became popular very fast. By 2018, she made history as the first woman to win the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act.
Since then, she has made several more hit albums and worked with big names like Beyoncé and Drake. In 2019, she joined Universal Music Group, making her one of the first African stars to sign with a global label. She has won over 40 awards during her career. Today, she also acts in movies and appears on TV shows.
Personal Life
People follow Tiwa Savages private life closely, especially her time as a wife and mother. She wed talent manager Tunji "Tee Billz" Balogun in 2013. They held a traditional wedding in Lagos and had a son named Jamil two years later. Their relationship ran into serious trouble, leading them to split up in 2016 and legally end the marriage in 2018. Tiwa talks freely in interviews and online about the hard times she faced while the world watched. Even with these hurdles, she shows great love for her child and works hard to be a good parent. Her mother and brothers stand by her and help her through tough spots. She also gives back through her own charity, which helps Nigerian youth go to school and improve their lives. Many people feel a connection to her story because she is honest about her feelings, her partners, and the struggle to juggle work with family.
Fun Facts
She was the first female African singer to sing at the FIFA World Cup.
Tiwa started a TV show called "Savage" about her daily life and work.
She finished her studies at Berklee College of Music, a top school.
New African magazine put her on their list of 100 people who matter most in Africa.
She sang behind George Michael and Mary J. Blige before she started her own path.
Tiwa took part in The X Factor UK in 2006 and made it to the last 24 people.
She is the first Nigerian singer to join Universal Music Group.
Tiwa uses English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba when she sings.
She made songs with famous stars like Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Brandy.
Tiwa earned more than 40 big prizes for her work.
People in Africa call her the "Queen of Afrobeats."
Tiwa runs her own music company called 323 Entertainment.
She sang at many large events and parties around the world.
Tiwa was the first woman to get the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act.
She had a son named Jamil in 2015.
Tiwa talks freely about her hard times with her feelings and partners.
She began selling her own perfume called "Savage by Tiwa."
Tiwa played parts in many Nigerian movies and shows.
She sang on stage with the group Coldplay during their world tour.
Her songs appear in big movies and TV shows from Hollywood.
She represents several big businesses.
Tiwa has millions of people watching her on the internet.
She helps young women in music believe in themselves.
