Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has strongly rejected claims that she refuses to collaborate with or support other female musicians, insisting that her career and music catalogue prove otherwise.
The award-winning singer addressed the controversy during a recent podcast interview, where she explained that she has collaborated with several prominent female artistes in Nigeria and across Africa.
According to Tiwa Savage, the problem is not a lack of collaboration but the limited promotion and public support many female-led music projects receive after their release.
Tiwa Savage Lists Female Artistes She Has Worked With
Tiwa Savage challenged critics to examine her discography before accusing her of failing to support women in the Nigerian music industry.
She pointed to collaborations with artistes including Waje, Simi, Ayra Starr, Efya, Becca, Di’Ja and Asa as evidence of her long-standing willingness to work with female musicians.
The Afrobeats singer also highlighted her international collaboration with American R&B star Brandy on the hit song “Somebody’s Son.”
Savage argued that her female collaborations often receive considerably less attention than projects involving male artistes, creating the impression that she does not work with women.
Tiwa Savage – All Over ( Official Music Video )
Tiwa Savage Questions Lack of Promotion for Female Collaborations
The Nigerian music star said the conversation should focus less on who female artistes collaborate with and more on how their music is promoted after release.
She questioned why industry gatekeepers, media organisations, radio stations, promoters and music fans sometimes fail to give female collaborations the same level of attention received by songs featuring popular male artistes.
Savage compared the reception of her female collaborations to “100 Million,” her 2024 collaboration with Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck, which benefited from significant audience attention and streaming activity.
She explained that collaborations involving established male musicians can naturally attract large fan bases, playlist exposure and strong organic promotion.
By contrast, female-led collaborations may struggle to achieve comparable streaming numbers and commercial success when they do not receive sustained backing from the wider music industry.
Tiwa Savage Says Female Artistes Face a Double Standard
Savage described the situation as a frustrating double standard.
According to her, she faces criticism for allegedly neglecting female musicians when she collaborates with men. However, when she works with women, she claims those songs often fail to receive sufficient promotion or audience support.
The singer therefore believes that promoting women in African music should not be the responsibility of female artistes alone.
She said record labels, music promoters, radio stations, streaming platforms, event organisers, journalists and music fans all have important roles to play in creating greater opportunities for female musicians.
Tiwa Savage Supports Yemi Alade and Ayra Starr
Tiwa Savage also spoke about her efforts to demonstrate solidarity with other successful female artistes.
She recalled inviting Yemi Alade to perform at one of her headline concerts, saying the gesture was intended to show mutual respect despite attempts by sections of the public to portray the two singers as rivals.
Savage also mentioned her relationship with Ayra Starr, noting that she had invited the younger Nigerian star to perform onstage because of her admiration and support for her music career.
Female Rivalry in African Music Industry
Tiwa Savage’s comments have reignited the broader conversation about the treatment and promotion of female musicians in Africa.
She argued that successful women in the music industry are often compared against one another or presented as rivals, while male artistes are generally allowed to collaborate without similar narratives dominating public discussion.
The singer maintained that her extensive catalogue of female collaborations demonstrates her commitment to supporting women in music.
However, she believes genuine support must go beyond recording songs together and should include media promotion, playlist placements, radio airplay, streaming support, concert opportunities and audience engagement.
Savage’s remarks have added to the ongoing debate about gender equality, female representation and collaboration in the African music industry, while highlighting the importance of collective support for women seeking to succeed in the competitive global Afrobeats market.
Source: newsthemegh.com