Tiwa Savage speaks on hidden struggles

Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has revealed that she has no intention of stepping away from music anytime soon, despite launching a new initiative aimed at supporting young creatives.

The singer made this known while speaking during the launch of her music foundation, a project designed to support emerging African talents navigating the music industry.

According to Tiwa Savage, the foundation was inspired by her own journey and the opportunities she received earlier in life.

“I went to Berklee College of Music as a scholarship student. Someone made a decision to invest in me when I didn’t have the full means to invest in myself, and that changed the entire direction of my life,” she said.

She explained that her time at the prestigious music school not only shaped her musical abilities but also taught her the business side of the industry and how to turn talent into a sustainable career.

The award-winning singer noted that the foundation is coming at a time when she has gained enough experience, influence and credibility in the music industry to support the next generation of artists.

“Now I’m at a point where I have the platform, the relationships and the credibility to build something real. A proper, structured, lasting initiative,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey, Tiwa Savage said many people often assume her success came easily, but the reality was different.

“People see the stages, the collaborations, the covers and the accolades and assume the path was straighter than it was. It wasn’t,” she said.

She added that the initiative aims to help talented young African creatives who may have the passion but lack access to opportunities.

The singer also emphasised the importance of knowledge in building a successful career in the entertainment industry.

“A career in this industry requires more than talent. It requires knowledge, understanding your rights, your contracts and your worth,” she said.

Addressing speculations that the foundation might signal a step back from music, the singer dismissed the idea, stressing that the initiative is closely tied to her music career.

“The foundation doesn’t exist separate from my music career; it exists because of it. If anything, this makes me more committed to music, not less,” she said.

Tiwa Savage added that through her music and foundation, she hopes to inspire a new generation of African creatives to believe in their talents and pursue their dreams.