Profile Summary
| Full Name | Tiwatope Omolara Savage |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Tiwa Savage, African Bad Girl |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of Birth | 5th February, 1980 |
| Age | 45 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Isale Eko, Lagos |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Height | 5′7″ (170 cm) |
| Number of Children | 1 (Jamil Balogun) |
| Education | University of Kent (Accounting), Berklee College of Music (Professional Music) |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Actress |
| Relationship Status | Divorced (ex-husband: Tee Billz) |
| Record Label(s): | Universal Music Group (current); Mavin Records (former) |
| Social Profiles | Twitter, Instagram |
Tiwatope Omolara Savage better known as Tiwa Savage, is a talented singer, songwriter and actress from Lagos state Nigeria.
Widely recognized as the Queen of Afrobeats, Tiwa is one of Nigeria’s most successful female artists, blending Afrobeats, R&B, and pop into a global sound. Her journey from backup singer in London to international superstar has made her a force beyond music.
This article highlights Tiwa Savage biography in 2025, with emphasis on her age, height, family, music career, achievements and her journey to becoming one of africa’s most celebrated music sensations.
Tiwa Savage Biography
Tiwatope Omolara Savage, professionally known as Tiwa Savage, was born on February 5, 1980, in Lagos, Nigeria. As of 2025, Tiwa Savage she is 45 years old.
Early Life and Education
Tiwa Savage grew up in Lagos before relocating to London at the age of 11 where she spent most of her teenage years.
She was raised in a lovely christian family of five by her parents Mr. Savage and Mrs. Savage. She has two siblings, Wale Savage and Shola Savage.
After completing her undergraduate degree in Accounting at the University of Kent, Tiwa attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she earned a degree in professional music.
In 2022, she was awarded an honorary doctorate in music by the University of Kent, in recognition of her contribution to African and global music.
Music Career Journey
Before breaking out as a solo act, Tiwa worked as a backup singer for global icons such as George Michael, Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, Kelly Clarkson, Emma Bunton, and Andrea Bocelli. These experiences shaped her unique stage presence and vocal versatility.
In 2006, Tiwa joined the X-Factor show in the United Kingdom, where she achieved reasonably good results and made it to the final 24.
However, she did not make it to the live shows as her participation in the competition coincided with her studies at Berklee College of Music.
Despite the setback, Tiwa never gave up on her career. In 2009, she signed with Sony ATV Music Publishing Company and wrote songs for several big artists like Kat Deluna, Mya, Monica, and Babyface.
She even wrote Monica’s beautiful ballad “Catch Me” and co-wrote a song titled “Collard Greens & Cornbread” on American vocal powerhouse Fantasia Barrino’s Back to Me album.
Breakthrough in Nigeria
In 2012, Tiwa returned to Nigeria and signed with Mavin Records, under Don Jazzy. Her debut single Kele Kele Love became a nationwide hit, introducing her as one of the defining female voices in Afrobeats.
Her debut studio album Once Upon a Time (2013) produced hits like Eminado and Ife Wa Gbona. She followed up with the Sugarcane EP (2017), which included the Wizkid collaboration Ma Lo, another major Afrobeats anthem.
International Recognition
- In 2016, Tiwa signed a groundbreaking deal with Roc Nation, becoming the first Nigerian artist under the label’s management.
- She collaborated with Beyoncé on The Lion King: The Gift (2019), a project that earned her Grammy recognition.
- Her 2020 album Celia was praised internationally, featuring tracks like Koroba and Dangerous Love.
- In 2021, her single Somebody’s Son featuring Brandy became a worldwide success, topping charts across Africa and beyond.
2023–2025: Global Stage
- In 2023, Tiwa made history by performing at the Coronation Concert of King Charles III, becoming the first Nigerian artist to sing at a British royal event.
- In 2024, she released the film and soundtrack Water & Garri, where she starred in the lead role while blending cinema and Afrobeats storytelling.
- In August 2025, Tiwa dropped her fifth studio album This One Is Personal, praised for its emotional honesty and genre-spanning sound. The album reaffirmed her place as a global Afrobeats ambassador.
Record Label – From Mavins to UMG
In 2012, Tiwa was signed to Mavin Records owned by Don Jazzy, but the Afrobeats Queen would later exit the label after signing a seven-year publishing and distribution contract with Universal Music Group (UMG), in May 2019.
Discography
Tiwa has released a total of 4 studio albums and 2 EPs
Studio albums:
- Once Upon a Time (2013) – Debut Album
- R.E.D (2015)
- Celia (2020)
EPs:
- Sugarcane (2017)
- Water & Garri (2021)
- This One Is Personal (2025)
Achievements and Awards
Tiwa has received a lot of awards and recognition for her musical talents. Some of these include;
- African Muzik Magazine Awards – Best Female West Africa.
- City People Entertainment Award – Female Musician of the Year
- Channel O Music Awards
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards- Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year
- The Headies- Best R&B/Pop Album and best collaboration
- MTV Africa Music Awards- Best Female Artist and Best Collaboration
Personal Life & Controversies
Tiwa Savage married talent manager Tunji Balogun (Tee Billz) in 2013, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2018. Together, they have a son, Jamil Balogun, born in 2015.
Tee Billz had accused her of infidelity, but she debunked his claims and instead blamed his use of hard drugs and financial recklessness as the main cause of their marriage faliure.
In a recent interview, Tiwa stylishly hinted that she is ready to give marriage another chance but on the grounds that her next husband must be very rich.
In June 2021, Tiwa Savage also had a fall out with fellow musician Seyi Shay.
In a video that went viral, Savage and Seyi were seen exchanging words and throwing curses at each other.
It was later gathered that the beef started after Tiwa snubbed Seyi’s greeting at a salon in Lekki Lagos, where both singers had gone to have their hair done.
In October 2021, the singer was embroiled in a sex tape scandal that cost her millions of dollars in deals after a blackmailer leaked her private videos which went viral on social media.
Despite public controversies, Tiwa has remained focused on her music and family, often portraying herself as both a mother and an international superstar.
Lifestyle and Influence
Beyond music, Tiwa is celebrated as a fashion icon, frequently making statements on red carpets and magazine covers. Her bold, elegant style has placed her on global fashion stages.
She has also landed major endorsement deals with brands such as Pepsi, MTN Nigeria, Tecno, and Star Radler, making her one of the most marketable celebrities in Africa.
Read more on Tiwa Savage net worth and endorsements.
Her role as a global Afrobeats ambassador has taken her to stages across Europe, the U.S., and Africa, positioning her as one of the most visible female artists from the continent
Tiwa Savage Height
Tiwa savage’s height is 5’7” (170 cm).
In Conclusion
From her early beginnings in London to becoming the Queen of Afrobeats, Tiwa Savage has redefined African music on a global scale.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tiwa Savage
How old is Tiwa Savage in 2025?
She is 45 years old, born on February 5, 1980.
How Tall is Tiwa Savage?
She stands 5’7” (170 cm) tall.
What is Tiwa Savage’s latest album?
Her latest album is This One Is Personal (2025), a project praised for its emotional depth and versatility.
Was Tiwa Savage signed to Roc Nation?
Yes, she signed a management deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2016, making history as the first Nigerian artist on their roster.
Has Tiwa Savage acted in a movie?
Yes, she starred in the 2024 film Water & Garri, where she also provided the soundtrack.
Did Tiwa Savage perform at the British Coronation?
Yes, in 2023 she performed at King Charles III’s Coronation Concert, becoming the first Nigerian artist to grace the royal stage.
Does Tiwa Savage Have Children?
Tiwa savage has son named, Jamil Balogun (JamJam) who is 10 years old as of 2025. She had Jamil for her ex-husband Tee Billz. They continue co-parenting till this day.
