Nigerian international sensation Tiwa Savage shares her perspective on the global success of Afrobeats. In an interview with Kiss Fresh, the award-winning artist discussed her debut feature film ‘Water & Garri,’ in which she both starred and served as an executive producer. According to Tiwa Savage, venturing into filmmaking felt like the right moment to explore her creativity beyond music, and ‘Water & Garri’ provided her with that opportunity. The film, released on May 10, 2024, was accompanied by a soundtrack album featuring collaborations with Ayra Starr, Young Jonn, Black Sheriff, Cavemen, and others.
During the interview, Tiwa Savage was asked about her experience collaborating with Brandy. She expressed that it was a significant moment for her, as the American R&B icon was the inspiration behind her decision to pursue a singing career. Discussing the rise of Afrobeats on a global scale, Tiwa Savage remarked that it felt like a full-circle moment, emphasizing that all music has roots in Africa, and it was only a matter of time before African music received the recognition it deserved worldwide.
In another segment on Kiss Fresh, rising Nigerian star Ayra Starr praised Tiwa Savage as one of the leading female African artists making waves on the international scene. In response, Tiwa Savage affectionately described Ayra Starr as an incredible talent and a genuine individual whom she deeply admires.
There was one time I tweeted ‘I love Ayra,’ I’m obsessed with her. She’s amazing and genuine too,” Tiwa Savage said.
Tiwa Savage also expressed how proud she feels seeing Ayra Starr becoming the embodiment of a female sex symbol.
“It makes me emotional because when I started, I was criticised a lot for being too sexy and my lyrics being too risque. Seeing someone like Ayra now wearing the short skirt, I’m like, ‘Yeah! make it shorter!’ She looks amazing and is extremely talented. She’s a star.”
Tiwa Savage is one of Africa’s most popular artists who made history in 2023 she performed at the coronation of King Charles III. Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr’s relationship has transcended into music with both singers collaborating on Tiwa Savage’s single ‘Stamina’ alongside Young Jonn.
The two also collaborated on ‘Gara’ off the soundtrack album for Tiwa Savage’s debut feature film ‘Water & Garri’.
Watch Tiwa Savage’s full interview with Kiss Fresh below.