Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has opened up about the wide range of influences shaping her sound, highlighting both international icons and fellow Nigerian hitmakers.
Speaking in a recent interview with Rolling Stone Africa, the award-winning singer said her creative inspiration comes from multiple sources, including her contemporaries in the music industry. She specifically pointed to Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as artists whose work continues to motivate her.
Savage also cited American R&B legend Brandy and elements of jazz music as part of her artistic foundation, noting that her influences cut across genres and borders. According to her, inspiration is not limited to a single source but drawn from a blend of sounds, experiences, and personal beliefs, with her faith in God remaining central.
Her remarks arrive amid ongoing conversations about recognition and representation within Afrobeats. In 2025, Savage challenged the popular “Big 3” label commonly used to describe Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as the genre’s leading global figures. She argued that the framing sidelines female artists who are also making significant international impact.
At the time, she pointed out disparities in industry support, suggesting that certain categories of artists benefit from greater financial backing and promotional reach, which affects visibility and audience exposure. She also questioned the fairness of excluding prominent female voices from such rankings, specifically referencing Tems as an artist deserving of equal recognition.
Savage’s latest comments reflect both admiration for her peers and a continued call for a more inclusive narrative in Afrobeats’ global success story.