Dive into the world of Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage as she opens up like never before! Her new album, ‘This One is Personal,’ is a raw journey through heartbreak, resilience, and her incredible impact on the music scene. What does it truly take to reign as an icon in Afrobeats while navigating intense personal trials?
Afrobeats powerhouse Tiwa Savage bares her soul on her latest album, ‘This One is Personal,’ offering listeners an intimate glimpse into a period of profound vulnerability and personal transformation. As a celebrated figure in Nigerian music, Savage continues to redefine her artistry, blending signature R&B influences with the dynamic sounds of Afrobeats, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer.
The genesis of the This One is Personal Album stems from a deeply personal heartbreak, which Savage candidly describes as a “spiritual attack,” leading to a challenging two-year dark period. This raw emotional landscape is evident in tracks like “You’re Not The First (You’re Just The Worst),” reflecting on past disappointments, and “Twisted,” where she courageously examines her own toxic behaviors post-breakdown.
Savage’s journey is a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry, particularly in charting a path for female artists within the male-dominated Afropop scene. With a career spanning fifteen years, including writing for Monica and singing backup for Mary J. Blige, her credentials underscore her ability to evolve authentically and inspire a new generation of talent.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Savage has faced numerous public challenges, from scrutiny over her sensuality and fashion choices to the very public dissolution of her marriage and a leaked sex tape. More recently, she addressed an alleged threat from fellow artist Davido, clarifying the circumstances and expressing the deep hurt caused by being inadvertently drawn into a personal conflict not her own.
Despite these trials, the album culminates in a profound message of reconciliation and self-discovery. Savage articulates her eventual landing on a transcendent form of love, not with a romantic partner, but with a spiritual connection, as explored in the album’s concluding track, “Change,” which features James Fauntleroy and speaks to finding ultimate solace in faith.
A staunch advocate for women, Savage champions initiatives like affordable egg freezing, highlighting its importance for female artists and women generally. She powerfully speaks out against the pervasive double standards within the Afrobeats and broader Nigerian music industry, recounting how her early music videos were banned for modest attire while male counterparts faced no such censorship for explicit content, underscoring the ongoing battle for gender equity, with only a handful of women making Nigerian digital charts.
Her controversial performance at King Charles’ coronation, while celebrating the global reach of Afrobeats, also ignited debate concerning its political implications. Savage reconciled this by focusing on the representation of Nigerian music and the joy of immigrant families, viewing her participation as an opportunity to showcase African artistry on a global stage rather than endorse colonial legacies, while acknowledging the historical complexities.
Looking ahead, Savage envisions a future for the music industry where genres are increasingly fluid, embracing fusion over rigid categorization. She highlights the vast diversity of sounds emanating from Africa, making it difficult to confine artists solely to the “Afrobeats” label, and respects the emergence of sub-genres like “Emo-Afrobeats” and “Afro-Life” as a reflection of this rich musical tapestry.
Further demonstrating her commitment to the future of Nigerian music, Savage is actively working on establishing scholarships to Berklee College of Music, aiming to provide educational opportunities for aspiring musicians. This philanthropic endeavor, coupled with her dedication to her son Jamil – including a recent surprise trip to Japan – showcases her multifaceted role as an artist, mother, and advocate.
