Tiwa Savage

EARLY LIFE

Born on 5 February 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria, Tiwatope Omolara Savage relocated to London at the age of 11 for her secondary education. While attending secondary school, she was a trombone player for her school's orchestra band. Savage graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Kent, and started working at The Royal Bank of Scotland. At the age of 16, she did backup vocals for English singer George Michael, and lent vocals to other musicians such as Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Blu Cantrell, Emma Bunton, Kelly Clarkson, Andrea Bocelli and Ms. Dynamite. Savage enrolled at Berklee College of Music and graduated with a degree in professional music in 2007. In 2006, she participated in the UK edition of The X Factor and advanced to the final 24 but ended up being the 12th person to be evicted. In 2009, Savage signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which allowed her to write for artists like Babyface, Kat Deluna, Fantasia, Monica and Mýa.

CAREER

Tiwa Savage is a prominent Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress known as the Queen of Afrobeats. She sings in English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba; her music is a blend of afrobeats, R&B, afropop, pop and hip-hop. Savage's contributions to the Nigerian music industry have earned her several recognitions. Inspired by the growth of the Nigerian music industry, Savage moved back to Nigeria and signed with Mavin Records in 2012. Her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time, was released on 3 July 2013. On 19 December 2015, Savage released her second studio album R.E.D. In June 2016, there were reports that Savage had signed a management and publishing deal with Roc Nation, making her the first Nigerian artist to be signed to the label. Savage released her debut EP Sugarcane on 22 September 2017. In November 2018, Savage won Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards, becoming the first woman to win the category. In May 2019, she announced her record deal with Universal Music Group and exit from Mavin Records. Savage's third studio album, Celia, was released on 28 August 2020. Her second extended play, Water & Garri, was released on 20 August 2021. In March 2022, Savage announced the Water & Garri North American Tour. In February 2023, Savage announced on Instagram that she co-produced the film Water and Garri and plays the lead role. On 7 May 2023, Savage performed at King Charles III's Coronation Concert. Her fourth studio album, This One Is Personal, was released on 29 August 2025.

PERSONAL LIFE

Savage was married to Tunji "Tee Billz" Balogun. On 23 November 2013, the couple held their traditional marriage, and their white wedding was held on 26 April 2014, in Dubai. On 1 January 2015, Savage and Balogun announced that they were expecting their first child, and six months later, Savage gave birth to their son. On 28 April 2016, Balogun accused his wife of infidelity. In a 45-minute interview, Savage debunked her husband's infidelity claims and accused him of financial recklessness, drug addiction and abandonment, stating her marriage to him was over. On 19 July 2021, Savage lost her father to an undisclosed illness. In October 2021, Savage told Power 105.1's Angie Martinez that she was blackmailed over a leaked video of herself and her partner having sex.