Tiwatope Savage-Balogun (born 1980), known as Tiwa Savage, is Nigeria's leading female musician. She started as a backup vocalist for George Michael and Mary J. Blige before returning to Nigeria. Her debut album "Once Upon a Time" (2013) was hugely successful. Tiwa became the first African woman to sign with Universal Music Group and later became a Motown Records artist. Hits like "Eminado," "All Over," and "Koroba" dominate African airwaves. She's won multiple awards including MTV Africa, BET, and Headies. Tiwa has collaborated with Beyoncé, Coldplay, and other international acts. She's a role model for African women in music and business.


AFROPOP QUEEN:
Tiwa Savage blends Afrobeat, R&B, and pop with powerhouse vocals honed as a backing singer for George Michael, Mary J. Blige, and Whitney Houston. Her debut album Once Upon a Time (2013) signalled a new era for female Afropop stars.

GLOBAL COLLABORATIONS:
She signed with Roc Nation (2016) and Universal Music Group (2019), releasing hits like All Over, Ma Lo, Somebody’s Son (with Brandy), and Koroba. She performed at King Charles III’s coronation concert (2023), becoming the first Nigerian to grace the event.

BUSINESS AND ADVOCACY:
Tiwa champions women’s empowerment, launching the We Are Tired movement against gender-based violence and supporting entrepreneurship for market women. She co-owns Everything Savage clothing line and collaborates with MAC Cosmetics and Pepsi.

MENTORSHIP AND LEGACY:
Her songwriting camps groom female producers and engineers. She mentors emerging artistes through 323 Entertainment and Mavin Records alumni networks.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 5 February 1980 in Lagos; raised in London.
- Education: Berklee College of Music (Music Business).
- Awards: MTV Europe Music Award, Headies Artist of the Year, multiple AFRIMA wins.
- Title: “African Bad Gyal” for style, resilience, and vocal prowess.