### Tiwa Savage’s Music Career
Tiwa Savage began building her professional music career in the United Kingdom, where she worked as a backing vocalist for established musicians. She also participated in the British television talent competition The X Factor, gaining valuable experience as a performer. Alongside singing, she developed her songwriting skills and contributed to music recorded by other artists.
In 2009, she signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, marking an important step in her professional development. However, her ambition to build a career in African music eventually led her back to Nigeria.
In 2012, Tiwa Savage joined Mavin Records, founded by Nigerian music producer Don Jazzy. She appeared on the label’s compilation album Solar Plexus and began establishing herself as a solo artist in the Nigerian music industry.
Her breakthrough single, “Kele Kele Love,” introduced her to a wider Nigerian audience and showcased her ability to combine contemporary R&B with Afropop. In 2013, she released her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time, featuring songs such as “Eminado,” “Ife Wa Gbona” and “Olorun Mi.” The album helped establish her as one of Nigeria’s leading female singers.
In 2015, she released her second studio album, R.E.D, which included “My Darlin” and “Standing Ovation.” The following years brought further success through songs such as “All Over,” “Ma Lo” and “Malo,” helping her reach a wider audience.
In 2019, Tiwa Savage announced her departure from Mavin Records and signed an international record deal with Universal Music Group. That year, she contributed to Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift project through the song “Keys to the Kingdom,” alongside Mr Eazi.
Her third studio album, Celia, arrived in 2020, featuring collaborations with artists including Davido, Sam Smith and Stefflon Don. In 2021, she released the Water & Garri EP, which included “Somebody’s Son” featuring Brandy.
Tiwa continued exploring different musical styles through releases such as “Stamina” with Ayra Starr and Young Jonn, “Pick Up” and “Loaded” with Asake. In 2024, she expanded into film with Water and Garri, a drama in which she starred and for which she also contributed to the soundtrack.
In August 2025, she released her fourth studio album, This One Is Personal, a project that explored more intimate and reflective themes. Her subsequent music releases in 2026 have continued to extend her catalogue.
### Tiwa Savage’s Albums and EPs
Tiwa Savage has released several projects that demonstrate her growth as a singer, songwriter and performer.
* Once Upon a Time (2013): Her debut studio album, featuring “Kele Kele Love,” “Eminado,” “Love Me (3x)” and “Olorun Mi.”
* R.E.D (2015): Her second studio album, featuring “My Darlin” and “Standing Ovation.”
* Sugarcane (2017): An EP featuring popular songs such as “All Over” and “Ma Lo.”
* Celia (2020): An album named after her mother, featuring collaborations with Davido, Sam Smith and Stefflon Don.
* Water & Garri (2021): An EP blending Afrobeats with soulful R&B, including “Somebody’s Son” featuring Brandy.
* Water & Garri (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2024): A soundtrack project associated with her film of the same name.
* This One Is Personal (2025): Her fourth studio album, exploring personal experiences, emotional growth and relationships.
These projects demonstrate her ability to move between danceable Afrobeats, contemporary R&B and more reflective songwriting.
### Tiwa Savage’s Popular Songs
Tiwa Savage has released numerous songs that have become popular among Afrobeats and contemporary African music listeners. Her catalogue includes romantic ballads, dance records, collaborations and songs centred on confidence and independence.
Some of her best-known songs include:
* Kele Kele Love
* Love Me (3x)
* Eminado featuring Don Jazzy
* Ife Wa Gbona featuring Leo Wonder
* My Darlin
* Standing Ovation featuring Olamide
* All Over
* Ma Lo featuring Wizkid and Spellz
* Malo
* Lova Lova featuring Duncan Mighty
* 49-99
* Attention
* Koroba
* Dangerous Love
* Somebody’s Son featuring Brandy
* Loaded featuring Asake
* Stamina with Ayra Starr and Young Jonn
* Pick Up
* Toma Toma featuring Ruger
* You4Me
* Energy
These songs highlight her versatility, from the romantic themes of her earlier releases to the more contemporary sounds and collaborations found in her later work.
### Tiwa Savage’s Musical Style and Influence
Tiwa Savage’s musical style combines Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B, soul and pop. Her experience in international music settings has helped her develop a sound that draws from different traditions while maintaining a strong connection to Nigerian culture.
She frequently sings in English, Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin, giving her music a broad appeal. Her songs often explore love, heartbreak, confidence, self-worth and the complexities of relationships. Some tracks focus on celebration and dancing, while others reveal a more vulnerable and reflective side of her personality.
As a successful woman in a competitive music industry, Tiwa Savage has also become an influential figure for younger female artists. Her career has demonstrated that Nigerian women can achieve success as recording artists, songwriters, performers and international collaborators.
Her influence extends beyond her own releases through her work with other musicians, live performances and efforts to create opportunities for emerging talent.
### Tiwa Savage’s Awards and Achievements
Throughout her career, Tiwa Savage has received recognition for her musical accomplishments and contributions to African entertainment.
Some of her notable achievements include:
* MTV Europe Music Awards: Won Best African Act in 2018, becoming the first woman to win the category.
* MTV Africa Music Awards: Won Best Female in 2014.
* The Headies: Received multiple nominations and awards during her career.
* International collaborations: Worked with artists including Beyoncé, Brandy, Sam Smith, Wizkid, Davido and Omarion.
* Songwriting achievements: Built experience as a songwriter for herself and other performers.
* Acting career: Starred in the 2024 drama film Water and Garri.
* Music education: Established the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation to support emerging musical talent and expand access to professional music education.
Her achievements have helped strengthen the visibility of Nigerian women in the global music industry.
### Tiwa Savage’s Family and Personal Life
Tiwa Savage was born into a Nigerian family and spent part of her childhood in Lagos before relocating to the United Kingdom. She has one son, Jamil Balogun, from her former marriage to music executive Tunji Balogun, popularly known as Tee Billz.
The couple married in 2013 and later separated, with their marriage ending in divorce in 2018. Following the separation, Tiwa continued to focus on her music career, family and personal development.
Although her personal life has occasionally attracted public attention, she has continued to build her identity around music and creative expression. Her songs sometimes reflect personal experiences, allowing listeners to connect with the emotions and themes behind her work.
### Tiwa Savage’s Latest Music and Career
Tiwa Savage remains active in the music industry, continuing to release songs and explore new creative opportunities. Her album This One Is Personal, released in 2025, represented an important chapter in her career, with a more personal approach to songwriting and musical expression.
In 2026, she released additional music, including the single “Energy,” released on 29 May 2026. She has also continued her work in music education through the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation.
In April 2026, the foundation completed its inaugural Berklee in Nigeria music intensive at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, providing professional music training to 120 participants. This initiative reflects her interest in supporting the next generation of African musicians and helping emerging artists gain access to music education.
### Conclusion
Tiwa Savage’s biography is a story of determination, musical talent and international achievement. From her early experience as a backing vocalist in the United Kingdom to her success as one of Nigeria’s leading female artists, she has consistently expanded her musical reach while maintaining her connection to her Nigerian roots.
Through albums such as Once Upon a Time, Celia and This One Is Personal, she has demonstrated her ability to evolve as a singer and songwriter. Her international collaborations, award-winning career and commitment to music education have further strengthened her legacy.
As she continues releasing music and creating opportunities for emerging artists, Tiwa Savage remains an influential voice in Afrobeats and a prominent representative of Nigerian music on the global stage.
### Frequently Asked Questions About Tiwa Savage
1\. What is Tiwa Savage’s real name?
Her full name is Tiwatope Omolara Savage.
2\. How old is Tiwa Savage?
She was born on 5 February 1980 and is 46 years old as of October 2026.
3\. Where is Tiwa Savage from?
She was born in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria.
4\. What did Tiwa Savage study?
She earned a degree in accounting from the University of Kent and later graduated from Berklee College of Music with a qualification in professional music.
5\. What was Tiwa Savage’s first album?
Her debut studio album was Once Upon a Time, released in 2013.
6\. What are Tiwa Savage’s most popular songs?
Some of her best-known songs include “Kele Kele Love,” “Eminado,” “All Over,” “Ma Lo,” “49-99,” “Koroba” and “Somebody’s Son.”
7\. Does Tiwa Savage have a child?
Yes. She has one son named Jamil Balogun.
8\. What is Tiwa Savage’s latest album?
Her latest studio album is This One Is Personal, released in August 2025.
9\. What is Tiwa Savage’s latest song?
“Energy,” released on 29 May 2026, is among her latest singles.
10\. What is Tiwa Savage known for?
She is known for her contributions to Afrobeats, her distinctive blend of R&B and African pop, her international collaborations and her influence on the growth of female representation in Nigerian music.
