Tiwa Savage Biography: Education, Age, Career, Spouse, Achievements, Net Worth 2025

FrikB 1 week ago

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Tiwa Savage is a name that shines brightly in the world of music. Known as the Queen of Afrobeats, she is more than just a singer. She is a songwriter, performer, actress, mother, and role model. Her journey from the busy streets of Isale Eko in Lagos, Nigeria, to global stages around the world is a story of hard work, faith, and determination. Many people admire her because she never gave up on her dreams, even when life became difficult. Today, Tiwa Savage is not only one of the richest female artists in Africa but also one of the most influential women in the world of music.

This biography tells the story of her life in detail, beginning from her childhood and family background, through her education and career, and finally to her achievements, personal life, and net worth.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Family Background

Tiwa Savage was born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria. She was given the full name Tiwatope Omolara Savage. From childhood, Tiwa showed signs of being a very bright and talented girl. She grew up in a close-knit family where love and faith were strong values.

Her mother’s name is Cecilia Savage, a woman who has always supported Tiwa and her dreams. Her father’s name is not as widely known, but he was also part of her upbringing. Tiwa has siblings who grew up with her, including her brothers Wale Savage and Shola Savage. As the only daughter, Tiwa was loved dearly by her family, but she also learned to be strong and independent from an early age.

When she was just 11 years old, her family moved to London, United Kingdom. This move became one of the most important turning points in her life. It exposed her to a new culture, a new language, and most importantly, new opportunities.

Education

Tiwa Savage began her early schooling in Lagos before her family relocated to London. In London, she continued her education and became deeply interested in music. She played the trombone in her school orchestra, which was her first step into the world of music.

After finishing secondary school, Tiwa studied at the University of Kent, where she earned a degree in Business Administration and Accounting. For a short while, she worked at the Royal Bank of Scotland. Even though she was good at academics, her heart kept pulling her toward music.

To follow her passion, she applied to Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. She won a scholarship and graduated with a degree in Professional Music in 2007. At Berklee, she sharpened her songwriting, performance, and vocal skills. This education prepared her for the global stage she would later dominate.

Early Career in Music

Tiwa Savage’s professional journey in music began in her teenage years. At just 16, she worked as a backup singer for legendary British pop star George Michael. This opened the door for her to work with other international stars like Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Blu Cantrell, Emma Bunton of the Spice Girls, Kelly Clarkson, and Andrea Bocelli.

In 2006, she auditioned for the UK edition of the television show The X Factor. She impressed the judges and made it into the final 24 contestants. Even though she was eventually eliminated, the show gave her confidence and exposure.

Her big breakthrough came in 2009 when she signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Through this deal, she wrote songs for famous artists including Babyface, Fantasia Barrino, Monica, Kat Deluna, and others. She co-wrote the song “Collard Greens & Cornbread” for Fantasia, which later earned a Grammy nomination. These achievements proved that Tiwa was not only a talented singer but also a gifted songwriter.

Career Breakthrough in Nigeria

In 2012, Tiwa made the bold decision to return to Nigeria to build her career in Afrobeats. At that time, Afrobeats was growing fast, and she wanted to be part of the movement. She joined Mavin Records, owned by Don Jazzy, one of the most successful producers in Africa.

She gained massive attention after appearing on the Mavin Records 2012 compilation album “Solar Plexus.” Soon after, she began to release her own songs. Her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time, was released in July 2013. The album featured hit singles like “Kele Kele Love,” “Love Me (3x),” “Eminado” featuring Don Jazzy, and “Without My Heart.” The album was nominated for awards, including Best Album at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies.

Her second album, R.E.D., was released in 2015. The album included hit singles such as “My Darlin” and “African Waist.” It proved her staying power in the Nigerian music industry and won her more fans across Africa.

In 2017, she released the Sugarcane EP, which produced hits like “All Over” and “Ma Lo.” This EP was a huge success and earned her the reputation as the Queen of Afrobeats.

International Success

Tiwa Savage’s music reached beyond Africa. In 2016, she signed a management deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. In 2019, she signed a global deal with Universal Music Group, one of the biggest record labels in the world.

In 2018, Tiwa Savage made history by becoming the first woman to win the Best African Act award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. She was also featured on the cover of Billboard Magazine’s “Africa Now” edition in 2020 alongside Davido and Mr Eazi.

In 2020, she released her third studio album, Celia. The album included songs like “Koroba,” “Dangerous Love,” and “Attention.” It featured collaborations with Sam Smith, Stefflon Don, Davido, and other international artists. The album received critical praise for its maturity and strong message.

In 2021, she dropped the Water & Garri EP, which included emotional songs that showed her growth as an artist. She later turned this EP into a film project titled Water & Garri in 2023, where she not only acted but also worked as an executive producer.

One of the highlights of her international career was her performance at the coronation concert of King Charles III at Windsor Castle in May 2023. She became the first Nigerian artist to perform at such a royal event, making her country proud.

Achievements and Awards

Tiwa Savage has won numerous awards, including:

Best Female Artist at MTV Africa Music Awards.
Best African Act at MTV Europe Music Awards.
Nigeria Entertainment Awards for Best Album and Best Pop Artist.
The Headies Award for Best R&B/Pop Album.
City People Entertainment Awards.
BET Awards nominations.
MOBO Awards nominations.

In addition, she has been named among the BBC’s list of 100 Inspirational Women and has been honored for her role in promoting African music on the global stage.

Personal Life

In 2013, Tiwa Savage married Tunji Balogun, also known as Tee Billz, a music executive. Their wedding was a glamorous event, with a traditional ceremony in Lagos and a white wedding in Dubai. In 2015, the couple welcomed their son, Jamil Balogun, who is often affectionately called Jam Jam.

Unfortunately, the marriage ended in 2016 due to personal challenges. Despite the separation, Tiwa Savage continues to co-parent her son and has often spoken about the importance of family.

Net Worth

Tiwa Savage is among the richest female artists in Africa. Her net worth is estimated to be between 6 million and 10 million US dollars. Her income comes from music sales, streaming royalties, concerts, acting roles, endorsement deals with top brands like Pepsi, MTN, and Forte Oil, and her global partnerships with Universal Music and Motown Records. Her hard work and multiple income streams make her not just a successful musician but also a smart businesswoman.

Legacy

Tiwa Savage’s legacy goes far beyond her songs and awards. What she really represents is hope, strength, and possibility for so many people.

She will always be remembered as the woman who broke barriers in Afrobeats. At a time when the music industry in Nigeria and Africa was dominated by men, she stepped in and showed that a woman could stand tall, sell out concerts, and win the biggest awards. Because of her, many young female artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, and others now believe they too can succeed on the world stage.

Her story is also about taking Afrobeats from Lagos to the world. She proved that African music is not just for Africans, but something the whole world can enjoy. From singing backup for international stars, to signing with Roc Nation and Universal Music, to performing at the coronation of King Charles III, Tiwa made Africa proud everywhere she went.

Another part of her legacy is her boldness and confidence. She has never been afraid to show her true self, whether through her music, her fashion, or her lifestyle. Many young women admire her for embracing who she is, even when people criticized her. She became a symbol of courage, independence, and resilience.

Even in her personal struggles, Tiwa showed that setbacks don’t define you. She faced challenges in her marriage and in her career, but she never allowed those things to stop her. Instead, she rose above them and became even stronger. That strength is part of why people love her — she feels real and relatable.

Most importantly, Tiwa Savage’s legacy is about opening doors for others. She often says her success is not just for herself, but for her son, Jamil, and for future generations of African artists. She has created a path that others can follow, and she has shown the world that African women can lead, inspire, and shine globally.

Conclusion

Tiwa Savage’s story is one of determination, courage, and talent. From a young girl in Lagos to a backup singer in London, and from a songwriter in America to a global superstar representing Africa, her journey inspires millions. She has broken barriers, set records, and built a career that proves that African women can lead on the world stage.

Beyond her awards and money, Tiwa Savage is a symbol of hope. She is proof that with faith, resilience, and passion, anyone can achieve greatness. Her life continues to inspire young musicians, especially women, to chase their dreams without fear.