I’ll make Africa proud – Tiwa Savage on UMG deal

Afrobeat star Tiwa Savage says she will work hard to make Africa proud as she moves on to join internationally acclaimed record label Universal Music Group (UMG).

UMG  has signed an exclusive global recording agreement with Savage,  the company announced on Thursday (May 2). Under the terms of the deal, Savage’s future music will be released by UMG in over 60 countries worldwide.

“We are looking forward to partnering with Tiwa and her team to help her music reach new audiences around the world,” said Adam Granite, executive VP market development at Universal Music Group Thursday.

He added  “As one of Africa’s most successful, influential and dynamic singer-songwriters, Tiwa has truly global ambitions and UMG is committed to help her in achieving them.”

Speaking to Jon German in an exclusive interview on the Zone on Starr FM Thursday, Tiwa said she feels blessed to be among pioneers of Afrobeat to be counted on the global stage.

“I feel blessed that I’m counted as one of the pioneers to be counted at such level. I am going to work myself out to make sure I make Africa proud,” she said.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Savage started as a backup singer for artists such as Mary J. Blige and George Michael before attending Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music on scholarship.

Several of her recent singles, including “Mr Lova Lova” ft. Duncan Mighty and “Tiwa’s Vibe,” have hit No. 1 on charts across Africa, making her one of Afrobeats’ biggest stars. She’s also carved out a career as a successful songwriter, including for American artists such as Kat DeLuna (“Push Push”) and Fantasia (“Collard Greens & Cornbread”).