- Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage turned 45 years old today, February 5, 2025
- The singer, who has spent a decade and two years in the Nigerian music scene, is widely called the Queen of Afrobeats
- To celebrate Tiwa Savage’s birthday, TheRadar profiles her music journey and how she earned her honorific title as Queen of Afrobeats
The aphorism ‘age is just a number’ is not a myth. At least, Tiwa Savage proves it as one constant question always surfaces and that is; Is she truly 45 years old?
Asides the fact that she doesn't look her age at all, Tiwa Savage’s musical prowess especially as a female singer saw her consistently rise to fame.
Her music journey and legacy became a pacesetter for female artistes who came after her. For example, artistes like Ayra Starr and Brettina once cited how Savage was an influence on their music style.
As the legendary singer turns 45 today, Wednesday, February 5, TheRadar goes back in history to profile Tiwa Savage’s music journey, milestones and how she earned her popular title ‘Queen of Afrobeats.’
Tiwa Savage’s early life, music career
Tiwatope Omolara Savage as she is legally recognised is known for her blend of Afrobeats, R&B, Afro-Pop and hip-pop. At the age of 11, Tiwa Savage relocated to London for her secondary education.
Five years later, she kicked off her music career at the age of 16. She was a backup singer for international singers George Michael and Mary J. Bilge.
The 45-year-old singer after that explored her music in the United Kingdom, particularly signing a deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. In 2012, she moved to Nigeria under Mavin Records.
Tiwa Savage first made her first appearance on Mavin Records compilation album, Solar Plexus before launching into the Nigerian music scene.
After several lead singles like Kele Kele Love, Love Me (x3) and Ife Wa Gbona, she eventually dropped her debut album, Once Upon a Time in 2013.
With over 12 years in the Nigerian music industry since her debut, Tiwa Savage’s discography boasts of three studio albums and two Extended Plays (EP).
Tiwa Savage’s notable hits, milestones and performances
Tiwa Savage’s contributions to Nigerian music over the years have also earned her numerous local and international accolades.
In 2018, she won the Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. She became the first female artiste to win the category.
Talk of stellar stage performances, Tiwa Savage has performed at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100
which took place at the FNB Stadium in South Africa.
She had also headlined a concert at the O2’s Indigo venue in 2018. On the Liberty Stage for Jay-Z's Made in America Festival, Tiwa Savage also performed alongside Young Paris.
Some of her notable hits include Eminado, Durobucci, Sugarcane, and One amongst many others.
Is Tiwa Savage truly the ‘Queen of Afrobeats?
Her 12-year journey in the Nigerian music scene since 2012 reportedly earned her honorific title ‘Queen of Afrobeats.’
Some may argue why she is not befitting of the title but for many, no one comes close that is more deserving than her.
It all started in mid-2017 at the time when Tiwa Savage was preparing to release her EP Sugarcane, she was referred to as the Queen of Afrobeats in several instances.
Notably, Glamour Magazine in South Africa used the title to describe the singer in its 2018 edition. Bella Najia and Namibian Sun also followed suit in 2019. Vocal Media recently used the same term to highlight the singer’s music career timeline.
In 2020, it was the turn of the New York Times and Allure Magazine used the term for Tiwa Savage in their 2021 cover story.
No doubt, Tiwa Savage’s consistent music legacy that spans over a decade and two years has seen her among the leading Afrobeats female singers in Nigeria.
With her growing honorific title as ‘Queen of Afrobeats’ among fans, the media and other platforms, they can't all be wrong, can they?
Happy Birthday, Tiwa Savage!
“Two Afrobeats queens,” Tiwa Savage, Tems spotted together in the US
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, was spotted together with her colleague Tiwa Savage in the US
Tiwa Savage had attended Tem's concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Tiwa Savage’s link-up for Tems’ last show for her debut album ‘Born in the Wild’ left fans gushing over them.
