Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has shared insights into the challenges she faced while transitioning from R&B to Afrobeats after relocating to Nigeria in 2012.
Before returning home, Savage built her career abroad, working as a backup vocalist for international artists including Mary J. Blige. Motivated by the rapid growth of Nigeria’s music industry, she moved back and later signed with Mavin Records, a decision that marked a turning point in her sound.
Speaking during a recent interview on Arise TV, the singer admitted that adapting to a different musical style was not easy. She noted that moving away from her R&B roots into more locally influenced sounds required a shift in mindset and artistic approach.
Savage credited her former label boss, Don Jazzy, for playing a key role in that transformation. According to her, he encouraged her to explore new genres and helped her realise that her abilities were not confined to one style of music.
She explained that his guidance pushed her beyond her comfort zone and introduced her to a wider range of sounds that would later define her career in Afrobeats.
Despite the initial hurdles, Savage said she has no regrets about returning to Nigeria or embracing a new musical direction, describing the experience as pivotal to her growth as an artist.
