Tiwatope Savage (born 5 February 1980), professionally known as Tiwa Savage, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She currently has a songwriting deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Savage signed a recording contract with Mavin Records in 2012. Savage enrolled at Berklee College of Music and graduated with a degree in professional music at the age of 27. While reminiscing about her experiences there, she said she was motivated by the drive and passion of the younger students. She also said she needed the school's atmosphere. Savage spoke briefly about the challenges musicians face during their transition from backup to lead, and said that artists face more scrutiny when their performances are mediocre. Her business background has helped her fully understand the scope of the Nigerian music industry.
She said numerous people tried to discourage her from settling in Nigeria. Moreover, people told her she wouldn't be welcomed as a female singer. Furthermore, they said she wouldn't be able to share the same stage with the likes of Tuface and Wizkid. Savage didn't allow people's negative connotations of her discourage her from doing music. Her debut single "Kele Kele Love" topped several Nigerian music charts.
In 2006, Savage participated in the UK edition of The X Factor and advanced to the final 24. While participating in the popular music competition franchise, she had difficulty dealing with the limelight. She said, "You have to always realize that people are watching. When I got the bad news that I wasn't getting through [to the final it was a really painful time. But you still have to learn how to hold that until you get home. Because you don't want to just let everything out. People admire you and want to see that you're strong; they don't want to see you breaking down.
In 2009, Sony/ATV Music Publishing signed Savage to a music deal. The deal solidified her to write for Babyface, Kat Deluna, Fantasia Barrino, Monica and Mýa. She has received songwriting credits for her contribution to Monica's soul-tinged ballad "Catch Me". Moreover, her collaboration with Fantasia on the song "Collard Greens & Cornbread" earned the American recording artist a Grammy nomination in 2010. Savage wrote Jaicko's "Oh Yeah" featuring Snoop Dogg, and Kat Deluna's "Push Push" featuring Akon and David Guetta. In as much as she likes writing for other artists, she finds writing for herself more rewarding. Savage performed background vocals on Whitney Houston's album I Look to You (2009).
2010–2013: Once Upon a Time, record deal and endorsements
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In December 2011, Savage co-hosted the second season of Nigerian Idol alongside IllRymz. Moreover, she made her film debut with Joke Silva and Ireti Doyle in the stage adaptation of For Coloured Girls. Savage became the first African female artist to be associated with the Pepsi brand after signing an endorsement deal with them. Savage established the 323 Entertainment record label with her former manager and husband Tunji "Tee Billz" Balogun, whom she got engaged to on 5 February 2013. She joined Don Jazzy's Mavin Records in 2012 after the label she co-owns teamed up with the executive producer. She was one of the lead acts on the label's compilation album Solar Plexus (2012). Savage started recording her debut studio album in 2010. While attending Berklee College of Music, she networked with several of its alumni, including Keith Harris, Derek Pate, Scott Coleman, Radar Ellis, and Darien Dorsey. In an interview with Brenda Pike, she said she collaborated with producers Chuck Harmony, Warren "Oak" Felder, and Sossick, among others. Moreover, she said her debut studio album will include records in her native tongue.
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