Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has said that the record label an artist is signed to can have a major influence on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
The singer made the remarks during an appearance on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast hosted by Joey Akan, where she reflected on her experiences within different music structures.
Savage explained that she only fully appreciated the importance of having a strong support system after her exit from Mavin Records.
According to her, while she was signed to the label, she had access to emotional support from colleagues and label boss Don Jazzy, especially during moments of online criticism or public controversy.
She described the environment as family-like, noting that artists would often come together to support one another during difficult periods.
“Whenever there’s a controversy online I’d run to Don Jazzy’s room, sit on the floor or bed with other Mavin acts and we would talk about it. I would cry if I had to cry and we would get through it,” she said.
The singer contrasted that experience with her time under an international label, stating that the approach there is more business-focused and less attentive to artists’ personal challenges.
She said she misses the sense of community she once had, adding that emotional struggles are often not given priority in such environments.
“But being with a [foreign] label, they don’t really care about your personal stuff. So, I can’t really go to the office and cry. I miss that part,” she added.
Tiwa Savage joined Mavin Records in 2012 before exiting in 2019 to sign with Universal Music Group.
