Singer Tiwa Savage has opened up about her transition from R&B to Afrobeats after returning to Nigeria in 2012, describing the shift as challenging at the beginning.
Motivated by the rapid growth of the Nigerian music industry, Savage—who previously worked abroad as a backup singer for international stars like George Michael and Mary J. Blige—relocated to Nigeria and later signed with Mavin Records.
In a recent interview with TVC, the ‘Kele Kele Love’ singer revealed that she was able to successfully adapt to Afrobeats largely due to the influence of her former label boss, Don Jazzy.
According to her, the music producer helped reshape her mindset and encouraged her to explore beyond her R&B roots.
“It was difficult for me to transition from R&B to street sounds. But when I was at Mavin Records, Don Jazzy opened my mind to so many different things. He made me believe that talent was not limited, that I could do anything if I really focused on it,” she said.
“He took me out of that R&B bubble and introduced me to other sounds.”
Savage added that she has no regrets about returning to Nigeria and embracing Afrobeats, a decision that has played a major role in her success.
