LagosExplorer reports: Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage has sparked heated debate after rejecting the popular title of “Queen of Afrobeats.” In a candid interview with Apple Music host Ebro Darden, the award-winning singer revealed why she does not embrace the crown that many fans and critics have placed on her.
The “Somebody’s Son” hitmaker admitted the title is flattering but explained that it carries heavy expectations while overshadowing the contributions of other women in the Afrobeats movement. “I’m grateful that people see me in that light, but I don’t think I should accept it,” Savage stated, stressing that the genre’s global success belongs to a collective of powerful female voices.
Over the past decade, Tiwa Savage has played a key role in taking Afrobeats to the global stage. She collaborated with Beyoncé on the 2019 track “Keys to the Kingdom” from the Grammy-winning album “The Lion King: The Gift.” In 2021, she joined forces with American R&B legend Brandy on the chart-topping single “Somebody’s Son,” a standout from her “Water & Garri” project. She has also worked with Sam Smith on “Temptation” and U.S. rap icon Nas on “Work Fada.” These collaborations solidified her as one of the first Nigerian women to consistently break into international music circles.
Despite her influence, Savage insists she does not want to claim the throne alone, highlighting the rise of fellow Nigerian stars like Yemi Alade, Tems, and Ayra Starr, who are also flying the Afrobeats flag globally. Her humility has earned praise from some fans, while others argue that her pioneering role makes her the rightful queen.