Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has raised fresh concerns about the widespread exploitation female artistes face in Nigeria’s music scene, revealing personal encounters with sexual pressure from industry insiders.
Speaking during a panel session at Entertainment Week Africa, Savage said she has repeatedly been approached by male executives who demanded sexual favours in exchange for bookings, partnerships, and brand endorsements.
“They didn’t value my talent, only my body”
The singer disclosed that she has been urged to pay personal visits to influential industry figures to secure slots on major shows. She noted that her refusal to comply has come at a cost, including losing endorsement deals.
One of the most painful experiences, she said, involved declining an invitation to travel to Dubai with a co-owner of a company at the centre of a potential endorsement deal. Her refusal led to the offer being withdrawn.
“I had been told that if I didn’t go and see ‘this chairman’ personally, I would not be put on a show,” she said. “I lost an endorsement because I refused to go to Dubai with a man who is one of the owners of the company.”
Savage added that these experiences forced her to confront how her image was being weaponised.
“That was when I realised they didn’t value my talent but my body, which I was only flaunting as part of branding. It ended up hurting me because that is all they were seeing.”
Entertainment Industry Under Scrutiny
Her revelations add to ongoing conversations about gender inequality, harassment, and the lack of accountability within the entertainment ecosystem. Advocates say her testimony reflects a broader pattern experienced by many young artistes seeking visibility and support.
Savage’s comments are expected to intensify calls for structural reforms, safer work environments, and stronger protections for women in the creative sector.
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