Biography
Who is Tiwa Savage?
Early life and education
Born in Isale Eko, Lagos State, Nigeria, Tiwatope Omolara Savage moved to London at the age of 11. During her secondary school years, she played the trombone for her school orchestra. She later attended the University of Kent, where she earned a degree in accounting. She also worked at The Royal Bank of Scotland.
Seeking to advance her musical skills, she enrolled at the Berklee College of Music. She graduated with a degree in professional music in 2007. During her time at the college, she networked with fellow musicians and found inspiration from the drive of younger students. This academic foundation helped prepare her for her future in the music industry.
Musical beginnings and songwriting
Before launching her solo career, Tiwa Savage provided backup vocals for established artists such as George Michael, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, and Andrea Bocelli. In 2006, she participated in the UK edition of The X Factor, reaching the final 24 contestants before being evicted. By 2009, she signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
This role allowed her to write songs for artists including Monica, Fantasia, and Babyface. She received a songwriting credit for the ballad Catch Me by Monica and contributed to the song Collard Greens and Cornbread by Fantasia. Her background vocal work also included contributing to Whitney Houston's album I Look to You.
Rise to fame and recording career
Inspired by the growth of the Nigerian music industry, she returned to Nigeria and signed with Mavin Records in 2012. She was featured on the label's compilation album Solar Plexus. Her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time, arrived in 2013 and included singles like Kele Kele Love, Folarin, and Eminado. The project received nominations at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and The Headies.
She later released the album R.E.D in 2015 and the EP Sugarcane in 2017. In 2018, she became the first woman to win the Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. She eventually signed with Universal Music Group in 2019. Subsequent projects included the album Celia and the EP Water and Garri, followed by the 2025 release of her fourth studio album, This One Is Personal.
Acting and public initiatives
Beyond her music, Tiwa Savage has explored acting and hosting. She co-hosted the second season of Nigerian Idol and appeared in the stage adaptation of For Coloured Girls alongside Joke Silva and Ireti Doyle. Her commercial presence grew through endorsement deals with companies like MTN Nigeria, Pepsi, Forte Oil, and Maggi.
She has also participated in various community initiatives across Nigeria. These include breast cancer screening projects and fundraising efforts to build schools in her hometown. Her work in the industry has earned her recognition from organizations such as the BBC and OkayAfrica.
Birthday and age
Tiwa Savage was born on February 5, 1980, which makes Tiwa 46 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Tiwa shares the date with 37 other famous people.
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