Everyone loves a good coronation, but Tiwa Savage isn’t ready to don the crown. The Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress, born Tiwatope Omolara Savage on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State, has made it clear that while she appreciates the love, the title “Queen of Afrobeats” doesn’t quite fit her.
Known for her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, Tiwa has been instrumental in shaping the global Afrobeats scene. Her discography includes hit albums like Once Upon a Time (2013), R.E.D (2015), Celia (2020), and her latest release, This One Is Personal (2025). Tracks such as “Kele Kele Love,” “Eminado,” and “Ma Lo” have not only dominated Nigerian airwaves but have also resonated globally.
Her accolades are impressive. She made history as the first female artist to win Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. She was honoured with an Honorary Degree (Doctor of Music) by the University of Kent in 2022, recognising her international influence and inspirational career.
Despite these achievements, Tiwa remains humble about the “Queen” title. In a candid conversation with Apple Music’s Ebro, she expressed discomfort with the label, stating, “Yeah, they call me the Queen of Afrobeats, but there are a lot of us that are Queens.” She emphasised that accepting such a title would require a level of humility that doesn’t sit well with her, adding, “It doesn’t make sense to me. So, I don’t accept it. But I appreciate it.”
Tiwa believes that her early success as a female artist in Nigeria contributed to the label, but she stresses that it shouldn’t be exclusive. Others have also worked hard, faced challenges, and broken barriers.
With This One Is Personal, Tiwa opts for vulnerability over royalty, inviting listeners to connect with her authentic self rather than a title. Her music continues to be a testament to her artistry and resilience, proving that true royalty lies not in a crown but in the impact one has on the world.
