A look back at Tiwa Savage’s meteoric rise to global fame

Ten years ago, when Nigeria’s music sensation, Tiwa Savage, appeared on the scene with her smash hit ‘Kele Kele Love’, the female side of the Nigerian music business was revolutionised by her phenomenal superstar aura.

Kele Kele is one of the 21 tracks on the 'Once Upon a Time’ album that captures the essence of Tiwa Savage’s artistry and introduces her unique sound to the world.

The song is familiar with just about every Afrobeats fan, and it’s still a staple at Afrobeats raves and club nights across Africa.

The debut album not only marked the beginning of her successful career but also showcased her exceptional talent, paving the way for her ascent to becoming one of Africa’s most influential artistes.

Gloria Asene Enebi, popularly known as Ria Sean, a singer and songwriter, shares that ‘Kele Kele Love was so inspirational to her.

"The track is for every time, for everywhere, and for everybody. Tiwa Savage is a big inspiration to me," says Ria Sean.

Tiwa Savage's career in music began at a young age when she began singing as a backup singer for a number of well-known artistes, including Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, and Andrea Bocelli.

She later joined a girl group and wrote hits for superstars including Monica, Baby Face, Fantasia, and Multi-Grammy winner Fantasia.

"When I saw that video on TV, the song, everything just spoke to me like Yooo! The original version was more Afro-pop, but I tried to switch it up to be very alternative," adds Ria Sean.

The queen, Tiwa Savage, entered the Nigerian music scene with a wealth of exposure to Western music, bringing with her the inspiration and sexuality that would pick up where the eclectic Goldie left off.

Tiwa Savage stepped out to showcase her talent through angelic vocals that spiced up the R&B side of Afrobeats while introducing sexiness that stimulated sensibilities and packed appropriate music to create a compelling brand at a time when the female arm of the business required a spin.

Her attractive features were complemented by appropriate music that portrayed the image of a woman who is courageous in defying the conservative norm that controls the sexuality she emanates and confident in her abilities.

Tiwa Savage had every intention of claiming a place in the mainstream for the female arm of the industry, even though she didn’t identify as a feminist.

“Songs like Get Low, Written all over your face and Wanted mahnnnnn Tiwa Savage RnB are so dopppe. Tiwa keep giving us jam back to back,” comments from a fan on Spotify Africa’s Instagram page.

‘Ileke’ is a more female-centric tune because it acts as a rallying cry for her sisters in arms as they join forces to take over the mainstream, in contrast to popular songs like ‘Wanted’ and ‘Love Me X3’ which offer insight into her branding as a sex symbol.

The bravely and creatively accepts her position as a “Lady” in the Fela Interlude, where she transforms the legendary Fela Kuti’s mocking record of the modern/educated lady into a jubilant tune that exalts the place of women in society and places them on level with men.

In a traditional community, Tiwa Savage's outspoken sexual expressions which are evident in her writing, artwork, and brand—were a risky move. She disproved the myth that a popstar's likeness was developed in Europe and refined in Lagos.

Tiwa Savage covered the Afrobeats scene with 21 tracks, providing audiences with thrilling music and spawning a new generation of musicians.

Her success is evident in R&B influenced songs like "Kele Kele," "Wanted," and "Love Me X3," and she also incorporates elements of her Yoruba ancestry into traditional music with "Ife Wa Gbona." She demonstrated her prowess in the Afrobeats genre with successes like "Eminado," a street-oriented song she collaborated on with Don Jazzy.

Tiwa Savage covered the Afrobeats scene with 21 tracks, providing audiences with thrilling music and spawning a new generation of musicians.

She blends well with superstars Sarkodie, Flavour, and General Pype as she appeals to listeners from a variety of backgrounds, including the church scene with the powerful song ‘Olorun Mi.’

Ten years after the release of her debut album, which positioned her for mainstream dominance, Tiwa Savage has fulfilled her potential to become one of Africa's biggest music stars.

She has released two albums and two EPs since the release of her debut album.

She rose to prominence in the music business and is now one of Afrobeats’ biggest stars, garnering several accolades and the admiration of people all over the world.

Her contributions still serve as the industry's spine for women.

Her audacious marketing statements have made room for a new wave of female performers.

It’s been ten years, and Tiwa Savage continues to effortlessly serve her fans with glitz and glamour befitting a Queen.