Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage

Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has revealed the tough road she faced as a young artist trying to break into the Nigerian music industry, detailing her early struggles with image, rejection, and industry backlash.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast with Joey Akan, Tiwa opened up about how her journey to stardom wasn’t just about talent—it also involved navigating societal expectations and reshaping her identity.

“I used to be a songwriter in the studio wearing baggy jeans and a T-shirt,” she recalled. “And he [her former label head, Tunji ‘TJ’ Balogun] literally changed that.”

She explained that TJ had a bold vision for her image and encouraged her to embrace a more glamorous, edgy look.

“He was just like, ‘Let’s give them the African Rihanna or Beyoncé.’ I was like, okay, let’s go ahead.”

However, the transformation was met with sharp criticism when she returned to Nigeria.

“My fashion sense attracted criticism. Then, I ran back to L.A.,” Tiwa said.

She shared how performance opportunities were sometimes blocked because of how she dressed.

“I was really hurt. I would go to shows and wait backstage, and they wouldn’t call me because maybe the governor’s wife had said I couldn’t come up. Or they’d say, ‘Make sure you don’t wear any of those skimpy dresses.’ I’m not making this up.”

The backlash extended to her music as well. “There was a time ‘Love Me’ was banned on TV. I was discouraged,” she admitted.

Despite the resistance, a pivotal call from her longtime manager, Bizzle, gave her the push she needed.

“I remember Bizzle called me and told me that ladies were loving me, so I came back to Nigeria.”

Yet her return wasn’t met with open arms. Tiwa revealed that she was turned away by all the major labels at the time.

“I’ve told the story where I went to all the labels and they all said no—Storm Records, Mo’Hits, Banky W’s EME, everyone.”

Now regarded as one of Africa’s most influential female artists, Tiwa Savage’s story is a powerful reminder of the rejection and judgment many women face when they challenge industry norms and societal expectations.