Renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress Tiwa Savage marks her 45th birthday today. Born Tiwatope Omolara Savage in Lagos, she relocated to London at the age of 11 for her secondary education before earning a degree in accounting from the University of Kent.
Tiwa Savage’s Career Journey
Her music career began as a backup vocalist for global stars such as George Michael, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Blu Cantrell, Emma Bunton, Kelly Clarkson, Andrea Bocelli, and Ms. Dynamite.
After participating in the UK edition of The X Factor and graduating from Berklee College of Music, she signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2009.
In 2012, she returned to Nigeria and joined Mavin Records, appearing on the label’s compilation album Solar Plexus.
Early Career and Marriage
Tiwa Savage released her debut album, Once Upon a Time, in July 2013, earning nominations at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and The Headies.
She married Tunji “Tee Billz” Balogun in 2013, with a traditional wedding in Lekki and a white wedding in Dubai in 2014.
They welcomed their son in 2015, but their marriage ended in 2016 amid allegations of infidelity, financial issues, and drug addiction.
Musical Achievements and Global Recognition
Her second album, R.E.D, dropped in December 2015, followed by the Sugarcane EP in 2017, both of which received award nominations.
In 2018, Savage made history as the first female artiste to win Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards and performed at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100.
International Success and Record Deal
In 2019, she signed with Universal Music Group, leaving Mavin Records, and co-wrote Keys to the Kingdom for Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift.
She has performed at major events like Jay-Z’s Made in America Festival and headlined a concert at The O2’s Indigo in London.
Advocacy and Charity Work
Savage has also advocated for social change, launching the We Are Tired charity foundation in 2020 to support sexual assault victims in Nigeria.
Water & Garri EP and Film Debut
She released her second EP, Water & Garri, in August 2021, which inspired her debut film. In 2023, she co-produced and starred in the movie Water & Garri, shot in Cape Coast, Ghana.
Recent Performances and Legacy
Savage performed at King Charles III’s Coronation Concert in May 2023, cementing her position as one of Africa’s top artists. Now turning 45, she continues to shape the music industry, leaving a lasting global legacy.
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