Date of Birth:
5 February 1980
Place of Birth:
Isale Eko, Lagos state
Profession
Nationality:
Zodiac Sign:
Age:
ABOUT
Tiwatope Omolara Savage is the real name of Tiwa Savage, a well-known professional Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born February 5, 1980. Tiwa Savage the musician, mixes her music tunes in both British English, Yoruba language and local Pidgin English. She releases singles in Afrobeats, R&B, Afropop, Pop, and Hip-hop songs and features.
Additionally, she has several other talents, including modelling, acting, and songwriting. Over the years, she has brought in too many contributions to the Nigerian music industry earning her wonderful achievements and accolades across Africa. She was also a vocals backup singer for artists including George Michael and Mary J. Blige. Naija people call Tiwa Savage the African “bad girl”, as well as the queen of African music.
BEFORE FAME
Tiwatope Savage, was born Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria to the family of Mr. Savage (father) and Cecilia Savage (mother) alongside three other siblings. Her two elder brothers, Wale Savage and Shola Savage and her younger step-sister Dorathy (from another parents).
Before Tiwa Savage became famous, she began her musical journey early. Her parents relocated her to London at 11yo with other member of her family. There, perfected her skills playing trombone in her school band. After graduating high school, she studied at the University of Kent to earn a degree in accounting. Immediately after Uni graduation, she applied and got a job “working at “The Royal Bank of Scotland” which didn’t stop her from pursuing her music passion. Later, she participated in The X Factor (UK edition) but didn’t win.
Tiwatope Omolara Savage met few mutual friends that connected her to be a backup vocalist for popular artists like George Michael, Mary J. Blige, and Chaka Khan. Tiwatope Savage enrolled with Berklee College of Music, and in 2007, graduated with a degree in professional music. The school’s environment and the encouragements of her fellow students propelled her own ambitions.
CAREER
Tiwa Savage’s songwriting talents blossomed in 2009 with a music deal from Sony/ATV Music Publishing. This opened doors for her to write for a powerhouse lineup including Babyface, Kat Deluna, Fantasia, Monica, and Mýa. She contributed to Monica’s ballad “Catch Me” album, Fantasia on “Collard Greens & Cornbread”. She was a nominated for a Grammy from a hit in 2010 for the American singer but did’t win. Later on, she featured in Jaicko’s song “Oh Yeah” featuring Snoop Dogg, and Deluna’s “Push Push” featuring Akon. From there, she sang as a backup for Whitney Houston’s album “I Look to You”, but she didn’t come to limelight.
Savage saw the opportunities in Nigerian music and made the move back to her home country in 2012 and signed a record deal with Mavin Records. Tiwa Savage’s career blossomed in 2013 with her debut album “Once Upon a Time”. The album featured collaborations with artists like Sarkodie and General Pype, and was nominated for several awards. Savage signed endorsement deals with MTN Nigeria, Pepsi, and others during this period.
In 2014, Tiwa Savage released her second album “R.E.D” which included guest appearances from Don Jazzy, Olamide, and Dr SID. She also signed a management and publishing deal with Roc Nation, becoming the first Nigerian artist to do so.
In 2017, Tiwa Savage released her debut EP “Sugarcane” which explored themes of love. The following year, she won Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards, becoming the first woman to win the category. In 2019, Savage signed a seven-year publishing and distribution deal with Universal Music Group and released her single “49-99”.
Savage released her third studio album “Celia” in 2020, featuring collaborations with artists like Sam Smith and Davido. The album was critically acclaimed and ranked 10th on Time magazine’s list of the 10 Best Albums of 2020. In 2021, she released her second EP “Water & Garri” which featured guest vocals from Nas and Brandy.
In 2022, Savage received an honorary degree from the University of Kent for her inspirational and international career in music. In 2023, she co-produced and starred in the film “Water and Garri”, inspired by her EP of the same name. She also performed at King Charles III’s Coronation Concert in London.
Tiwa Savage’s career in music has won her wonderful credibility and commercial success in Nigeria and United Kingdom just like her Naija colleagues such as Tems, Ayra Star, Teni, Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid.
FAMILY LIFE
Tiwa Savage’s personal life includes her marriage to Tunji “Tee Billz” Balogun, her now ex-husband. They had a traditional marriage in 2013 at the Ark in Lekki. The next year, their white wedding ceremony was held at Armani Hotel in Dubai by 26 April 2014. A year later, they welcomed their son Jamil “Jam Jam” Balogun. In 2016, their relationship fell apart with public accusations of infidelity from both sides. She has since moved on and continues her music career.
Separately from her ex-husband, she sadly experienced a loss in 2021 with the passing of her father.
Following her divorce from her husband, Tiwa Savage has been linked to several other celebrities in the Nigerian music scene. Among these are Dr Sid, Flavour, Naira Marley and most notably, Wizkid. Their frequent collaborations on stage and suggestive social media posts have reveals speculation of a romantic connection, but neither artist has ever confirmed a relationship.
She had a Public Altercation in June 2021. Tiwa Savage had a heated argument with singer Seyi Shay at a salon in Lagos. This reportedly stemmed from a 2017 misunderstanding by Seyi Shay containing insults towards Savage. Later on, she also had a Blackmail Incident in October 2021. Tiwa Savage was blackmailed over a leaked private video featuring her and her partner. The video was accidentally uploaded to SnapChat and then deleted immediately. But someone captured it and threatened to release it publicly unless he is given some money. Savage refused and chose to speak out about it publicly.
ASSOCIATED WITH
Tiwa participated in The X Factor (UK edition), where she managed to get into the final 24. However, she was eliminated from the show as the 12th person, barely failing to make it to the final 12.
Tiwa Savage’s Net Worth
Tiwatope Omolara Tiwa Savage’s private comes with his networth and source of income. She earns most of her money from live shows and performances, endorsements, Apple Music, Amazon Prime, Spotify, YouTube and Facebook earnings. Tiwa Savage’s net worth is around $22 million to $90 million. She has also signed several deals with top brands such as Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Roc Nation. People know her to have a taste for luxury and expensive cars. She has been seen driving a Bentley, Rolls Royce, Range Rover, Mercedes Benz, among others. She owns several houses in Lagos state and in the UK.