Long before becoming one of Afrobeats’ biggest stars, Tiwa Savage faced uncertainty about reinventing her sound after returning to Nigeria in 2012. The singer has now revealed that transitioning from R&B to Afrobeats was not as seamless as it may have appeared.
Savage, who previously worked abroad as a backup singer for global stars like George Michael and Mary J. Blige, said her decision to return home was influenced by the rapid growth of Nigeria’s music industry. Upon her return, she signed with Mavin Records—a move that would shape her artistic direction.
Breaking Out of the R&B Mold
In a recent interview with TVC, the ‘Kele Kele Love’ crooner admitted that adapting to Afrobeats initially posed a challenge.
“It was difficult for me to transition from R&B to street sounds. But when I was at Mavin Records, Don Jazzy opened my mind to so many different things. He made me believe that talent was not limited, that I could do anything if I really focused on it,” she said.
Savage credited Don Jazzy, her former label boss, with helping her expand her creative range and embrace new musical styles.
“He took me out of that R&B bubble and introduced me to other sounds,” she added.
No Regrets
Despite the early challenges, Savage said she has no regrets about her decision to return to Nigeria and switch genres. The move ultimately positioned her as one of the leading voices in Afrobeats, blending her international R&B background with local sounds.
Her journey highlights not only personal growth but also the evolution of Nigeria’s music scene into a global force—one that continues to attract and shape world-class talent.