Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has identified fellow Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as some of the artistes who shape her sound.
Speaking in an interview with Rolling Stone Africa, Savage said her creative influences span across genres and generations, including both international acts and her contemporaries.
She pointed to American R&B icon Brandy and jazz music as part of her musical foundation, while also acknowledging the impact of her peers within the Afrobeats space.
“I am inspired by so many people,” Savage said. “Musically, I am inspired by Brandy. I also listen to jazz. I am inspired by my peers , Wiz, Burna, Davido, everybody. But ultimately, I look up to God.”
Her comments come roughly a year after she challenged the popular “Big 3” label often used to describe Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as Nigeria’s leading global exports.
At the time, Savage argued that the term fails to recognise the contributions of female artistes in the industry. She noted that differences in funding and promotional support often affect visibility and reach, shaping public perception of who dominates the scene.
She also questioned the exclusion of Grammy-winning singer Tems from such conversations, describing it as an oversight in discussions about top-tier talent in Afrobeats.
Savage’s latest remarks highlight both her respect for her peers and her ongoing push for broader recognition across the industry.
