Tiwa Savage
Musician, Actress
• Born 1980-02-05 • Nigerian
Biography
Tiwatope Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. Dubbed the "Queen of Afrobeats," she has been a dominant force in African music for over a decade with numerous awards and international collaborations.
Early Life
Born in Isale Eko, Lagos, she moved to London at age 11. She earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Kent and later studied at the Berklee College of Music.
Career
Tiwa began as a backup singer for George Michael and Mary J. Blige. She rose to fame with "Kele Kele Love" (2010) and became the first woman to win the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act. She signed with Universal Music Group and has collaborated with Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Brandy.
Personal Life
She was married to manager Tunji "Tee Billz" Balogun and has a son, Jamil. She has been open about her struggles with marriage and motherhood in the public eye.
Fun Facts
She was the first female African artist to perform at the FIFA World Cup. | She launched her own reality show. | She has a degree from Berklee College of Music. | She was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine.