Tiwa Savage, born Tiwatope Savage-Balogun is a Nigerian triple threat. She sings, acts, and has written songs for some of the biggest names in music during her career. And with her latest achievement, signing to Jay Z’s, Roc Nation imprint, she will become an international success.
Shawn “Jay Z” Carter, Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy Courtesy of Tiwa’s Instagram.Tiw
Tiwa’s Story
Tiwa was born in Ikeja, Nigeria and later migrated to the United Kingdom when she was 11 years old. She received a degree in Business administration from the University of Kent. Afterwards she began working at The Royal Bank of Scotland. However, music has always played a big role in her life. So Tiwa enrolled at Berklee college of Music, from which she later received a degree in professional music. While at Berklee, Tiwa participated in the UK edition of the X Factor. She surpassed thousands of contestants to make it to the top 24.
Her Music
Tiwa’s foray into music began at an early age. At 16, she did backup vocals for UK star George Michael. She also performed with several hip hop acts like the Black Eyed Peas, 50 Cent and Eminem. Since, she’s lent vocals to musicians like the legendary Chaka Kahn, opera phenom, Andrea Bocelli, pop stars Emma Bunton and Kelly Clarkson, and R&B hit makers Mary J. Blige and Blu Cantrell.
Finally, in 2009, Tiwa signed with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which allowed her to write for acts like Babyface, Fantasia Barrino, Monica and Mýa. The following year she started recording her debut album and was able to secure a recording contract with Mavin Records in 2012.
Her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time, released in Nigeria in 2013.
Tiwa Savage’s Accolades
In addition to writing and performing music, Tiwa co-hosted the second season of Nigerian Idol. She also began acting, debuting in the stage adaptation of Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls.
All of Tiwa’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. She’s been the recipient of several awards including;
- a Channel O Music Video Award,
- two City People Entertainment Awards,
- two Headies awards, and
- even an MTV Africa Music Award.
Making History
Tiwa made history, becoming the first African female artist to be associated with the Pepsi brandwhen she signed an endorsement deal with them.
Philanthropy
Additionally, Tiwa has lent her energies to various charitable organizations and efforts. She has raised money for an organization that builds schools in her hometown. Tiwa collaborated with other African artists on a song for DSTV’s Africa Rising campaign, and effort to inspire Africans to participate in community-based social investment projects.
She has been involved in many other programs like youth empowerment and breast cancer screening projects across Nigeria.
Tiwa Savage’s charitible efforts include youth empowerment and breast cancer screening projects.
Tiwa Savage: Rising Star
Tiwa’s undeniable talent and philanthropic efforts has helped establish her as one of the fastest rising international stars. Roc Nation recognized her stardom and have been tirelessly working with her since 2015 to create a partnership. In July, that partnership was realized and Tiwa joined Roc Nation for the purposes of management and publishing. She has become the label’s first Nigerian female artist to date.
Tiwa is talented and tireless, making her an artist we should be looking out for because she’s sure to be a mainstay in music’s forefront for years to come. Get Tiwa Savage’s album, Once Upon a Time, is available on Amazon.
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