Tiwa Savage

Tiwatope Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage, was born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos, Nigeria. She relocated to London at the age of 11, where she developed her musical talents. She earned a degree in accounting from the University of Kent before pursuing music studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Her formal training and natural talent set the stage for one of the most impressive careers in African music history.

Tiwa Savage’s career took off when she returned to Nigeria and signed with Mavin Records in 2012. Her debut album “Once Upon a Time” (2013) was a massive success, spawning hits like “Kele Kele Love” and “Love Me, Love Me, Love Me.” She quickly became known as the “Queen of Afrobeats” and released her second album “R.E.D” (2015) to further critical and commercial acclaim. Before her solo career, she had already worked as a backup vocalist for artists including George Michael, Mary J. Blige, and Kelly Clarkson.

In 2019, Tiwa Savage made history by signing a deal with Universal Music Group, becoming one of the first African artists to secure a major international label partnership of its kind. Her EP “Celia” (2020), named after her mother, and subsequent releases continued to push boundaries for African women in music. She has won numerous awards including MTV Europe Music Awards, BET Awards, and multiple Headies Awards, and has performed at global events including the Global Citizen Festival.

Beyond music, Tiwa Savage has built substantial wealth through endorsement deals with brands such as Pepsi, Forte Oil, Maggi, and MTN. She has also ventured into acting and fashion. Her influence extends beyond entertainment as she is recognized as a powerful voice for women’s empowerment in Africa. With an estimated net worth of $8 million in 2026, she stands as one of the wealthiest and most influential female musicians on the African continent.