Tiwa Savage

Tiwatope Savage-Balogun popularly known as Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian artists. She was born on 5^th February 1980. She is a sensational artists and one of the most influential Nigerian female artists in the music industry.

Early Life

Tiwa savage had a healthy upbringing, she was born in Ikeja, Lagos state Nigeria and at the age of 11, she relocated to London with her family. She have a sister and two brothers. She grew up in a multicultural setting due to her migration from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, and from the United Kingdom to the United States. When asked about her early life in an interview with Vanguard, she replied:

Growing up was very interesting. There were no barriers, I was just free. I had a very healthy upbringing. My parents ensured that I was grounded and I had lovely brothers.

Education

She graduated from the University of Kent with a degree in Business Administration. Tiwa Savage worked at The Royal Bank of Scotland after graduating. And at the age of 27, she received a degree in professional music from Berklee College.

Music Career

Tiwa Savage became passionate about music while in high school, she was a trombone player for her school’s orchestra. She also did backup vocals for 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, among others.

In 2006, Tiwa Savage participated in the UK music edition of The X Factor while attending Berklee College and she advanced to the final 24. In 2009 Sony/ATV Music Publishing (USA) signed her to a music deal as a writer, since then, she has written for many artists like Monica and Jaicko. She enjoys writing for others it was thrilling to her, but she later discovered that writing for herself was more rewarding.

In 2010, she relocated to Nigeria. Initially, it wasn’t easy for her, she had challenges especially as a female artists; numerous people tried to discourage her and stated that being a lady she wouldn’t be welcomed like other artists such as Tuface and Wizkid. But she was not deterred by their negative advices. She proved herself in the music industry when she released her debut single “Kele Kele Love“. The song made its way to the top of several Nigerian music charts, and at that point, people feel in love with her music. She puts so much passion with her sultry tones, dance moves, and electric stage presence.

Tiwa Savage gets inspired by life, heartbreaks, happiness and Nigeria as a country. She wants to be an inspiration to people.

The late Whitney Houston is remembered for what she accomplished while she lived. She inspired many people. I want kids to say when I’m gone that if Tiwa Savage could do it, they can equally do it.

 Record Label

Tiwa Savage established her own label imprint, 323 Entertainment, with her husband Tunji “Tee Billz” Balogun. She joined Mavin Records in 2012 after 323 Entertainment teamed up with Don Jazzy.

Once Upon a Time

She released her first album ‘Once Upon a Time’ on July 3^rd, 2013. Once Upon a Time is a 19- track album; it is a storyline about her life which she wants to use to motivate upcoming artists with. The album featured Iceberg Slim, Sarkodie and General Pype.  She has since then released hit songs. Tiwa Savage co-hosted the second season of Nigerian Idol alongside IllRymz.

Awards

Since Tiwa Savage relocated to Nigeria in 2010, her career has boomed. She rose to the Nigerian spotlight. And she has bagged several awards:

Musician of the Year (Female): City People Entertainment Award, 2014.

Best Female Artist, MTV Africa Music Award, 2014

Best Highlife female artist: Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA), 2012

Best Vocal Performance (Female): The Headies Award, 2012

Most Gifted R&B Music Video of the Year: Channel O Music Awards, 2012

Best R&B Soul Song: Afrotainment Museke Online Music Awards, 2011

Female Musician of the Year: City People Entertainment Awards, 2011

Most Stylish Female Artiste: FAB Magazine Awards, 2011

Most Promising Act: Dynamix All Youth Awards, 2011

She has to her credit: 25 nominations and counting

Endorsements

In July 2013, Tiwa Savage signed an endorsement deal with MTN Nigeria  worth N30 million. She became the first African female artist to be associated with the Pepsi brand after signing an endorsement deal with them. She also signed endorsement deals with Maggi and Forte oil. Tiwa Savage has been involved in many youth empowerment and breast cancer screening projects across Nigeria. She helped raise money for an organization that build schools in her hometown.

Personal Life

Tiwa Savage is married to Tunji “Tee Billz” Balogun, they have been friends for a long time and he had made great impact on her life, she dedicated a song to him ‘Written All Over Your Face’.

I dedicated the song to him for the role he played in my life. I met him at a time when no one was ready to help because I’m a female artiste. And whenever I wanted to give up and cry sometimes, he always encouraged me to be strong and move on. He’s my back bone. I love him because he’s been there for me. He wiped my shame away when he put a ring on my finger.

On January 1^st 2015, Tiwa Savage and her husband announced that they are expecting their first child together.

Tiwa Savage is surely a musical goddess, she came to the industry with zeal and determination to make her mark, and she has rose to the spotlight. The fearless Tiwa is an inspiration to several upcoming artists and nothing will bring her down.

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