Tiwa Savage Describes Shift from R&B to Afrobeats After Return to Nigeria

|By Queen Banigo

Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has described her transition from R&B to Afrobeats after returning to Nigeria in 2012, saying the change was initially challenging.

Savage, who began her career abroad as a backup singer for artists including George Michael and Mary J. Blige, moved back to Nigeria amid the growth of the country’s music industry. She later signed with Mavin Records.

In an interview with TVC Communications, the singer said adapting from R&B to Afrobeats required a shift in approach.

“It was difficult for me to transition from R&B to street sounds,” she said.

Savage credited her former label boss, Don Jazzy, with helping her broaden her musical range.

“He opened my mind to so many different things. He made me believe that talent was not limited, that I could do anything if I really focused on it,” she said.

She added that the producer encouraged her to explore sounds beyond R&B, which helped shape her career in Afrobeats.

Savage also said she does not regret returning to Nigeria or making the transition.