Tiwatope Savage, professionally known as Tiwa Savage, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria. She relocated to London at age 11, later studying Business Administration at the University of Kent and graduating from Berklee College of Music.
Tiwa began her career as a backup vocalist for global icons like George Michael and Mary J. Blige. She returned to Nigeria in 2010 and signed with Mavin Records, releasing her debut album Once Upon a Time in 2013, which featured hits like Kele Kele Love and Love Me (3x).
In 2019, she signed an international record deal with Universal Music Group, further solidifying her global presence. Tiwaβs music blends Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, and she is known for empowering lyrics, compelling stage presence, and fashion-forward persona.
She remains one of the most influential and celebrated female artists in Africa.
π Awards & Recognitions
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2011 β Channel O Music Video Awards:
Best Female Video β Kele Kele Love β Nominated
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2012 β The Headies:
Best Vocal Performance (Female) β Love Me (3x) β Winner
Next Rated β Nominated
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2013 β Nigeria Entertainment Awards:
Female Artist of the Year β Winner
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2014 β MTV Africa Music Awards:
Best Female β Winner
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2014 β Channel O Music Video Awards:
Most Gifted Female β Winner
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2014 β City People Entertainment Awards:
Female Musician of the Year β Winner
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2015 β COSON Song Awards:
Best Female Contemporary Pop Artist β Winner
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2018 β The Headies:
Best Collaboration β Ma Lo (with Wizkid & Spellz) β Winner
Best R&B/Pop Album β R.E.D β Nominee
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2018 β AFRIMA Awards:
Best Female West Africa β Winner
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2019 β MTV Europe Music Awards:
Best African Act β Winner
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2020 β Soundcity MVP Awards:
Best Female MVP β Winner
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2021 β Net Honours:
Most Searched Female Musician β Winner
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2023 β AFRIMA Awards:
Best Female West Africa β Winner
Artist of the Year β Nominee
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2024 β Grammy Awards:
Best African Music Performance β Stamina (with Ayra Starr & Young Jonn) β Nominee
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2025 β African Entertainment Awards USA:
Female Artist of the Year β Winner
Tiwatope Savage, professionally known as Tiwa Savage, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress born on February 5, 1980, in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria. She relocated to London at age 11, later studying Business Administration at the University of Kent and graduating from Berklee College of Music.