She’s the undeniable queen of Afrobeats, a style icon, and one of Nigeria’s most influential voices — but even Tiwa Savage has her moments of vulnerability.
In a recent heart-to-heart on Afrobeats Intelligence with Joey Akan, Tiwa Savage opened up about something deeply personal: why she wouldn’t encourage her son, Jamal, to follow in her musical footsteps.
Despite her glowing success, the superstar revealed the harsh truths behind the glamour — including the toll the music industry takes on mental health, finances, and family life.
The rate of success is very slim… even if you make it, staying relevant is hard,” Tiwa shared.
“You might have a few hits, but a long-lasting career? That’s a different game.
She didn’t sugarcoat the challenges — from sustaining a lucrative career to the pressure of maintaining appearances even when the income doesn’t match the perception.
As a mother, she admitted that balancing music and motherhood hasn’t been easy. During the lockdown, with a home studio just steps away, Tiwa found herself working into the early hours of the morning — not always recording, but constantly surrounded by music. That blurred line between work and home left her craving more time with her son.
“I wasn’t spending enough time with him… and I didn’t like that,” she said.
“I wanted to be able to leave work and come home — to give him a sense of separation.”
Tiwa also reflected on her early struggles in the industry — from being labeled the “African Rihanna” to battling for recognition as she fused R&B with Afrobeats at a time when many didn’t believe it could work.
Through it all, Tiwa Savage has remained true to her sound, her story, and her strength as a woman navigating fame, fashion, and family.