Tiwatope Omolara Savage began her career in London providing backup vocals for major international artists, including George Michael and Mary J. Blige, before transitioning to a successful solo recording career. A versatile musician, she blends Afrobeats, R&B, and pop while navigating both the Nigerian and United Kingdom music scenes through her unique, multilingual songwriting approach.
Early Development and Education
Born on 5 February 1980 in Isale Eko, Nigeria, Savage moved to London at age 11. She played trombone in her secondary school orchestra before earning a degree in accounting from the University of Kent. In 2007, she completed a degree in professional music at the Berklee College of Music, where she built industry networks that supported her transition into songwriting for established global acts.
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Savage gained early visibility as a contestant on the UK edition of The X Factor in 2006, reaching the final 24. By 2009, she signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which facilitated writing credits for artists such as Monica, Fantasia, and Kat Deluna. She also co-hosted the second season of Nigerian Idol in 2011 and made her professional stage acting debut in the production For Coloured Girls.
Recording Career and Discography
Returning to Nigeria in 2012, Savage signed with Mavin Records, participating in the compilation album Solar Plexus. Her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time, arrived in 2013, followed by the release of R.E.D in 2015 and the Sugarcane EP in 2017. Later projects include her third studio album, Celia, and the EP Water & Garri, which preceded her fourth studio album, This One Is Personal, released in August 2025.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Her contributions to the African music sector have been widely recognized. In 2018, she became the first woman to win the Best African Act category at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Other distinctions include inclusion in the BBC 100 Women list in 2017 and the OkayAfrica 100 Women list in 2018, alongside various honors from the All Africa Music Awards and City People Entertainment Awards.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 February 1980, Isale Eko
- Citizenship: United Kingdom, Nigeria
- Education: University of Kent, Berklee College of Music
- Debut Studio Album: Once Upon a Time (2013)
- Significant Award: MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act (2018)
- Languages: English, Nigerian Pidgin, Yoruba
Questions readers ask
Which record labels has Tiwa Savage been signed to?
She signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2009, joined Mavin Records in 2012, and later signed with Universal Music Group in 2019.
What is the primary musical style of her work?
Her music is a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, Afropop, pop, and hip-hop, often incorporating English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba lyrics.
