Tiwa Savage recently shared her experiences with discrimination during the early days of her career in an interview with BET Talks. The singer, who has now transitioned into acting and producing with her debut feature film ‘Water & Garri,’ spoke candidly about the challenges she faced in the Nigerian music industry.
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Savage recounted that she faced significant criticism and obstacles due to her sensual dress and style. “I used to be heavily criticized, had my songs banned on terrestrial stations, and was even stopped from performing because of my risqué dress and sensual music,” she told host Unique Chapman.
She also noted that many female artists shared similar experiences, often being overlooked and denied opportunities like soundchecks. “Initially, when I first moved back, I would turn up for a show and they would say I couldn’t perform because of my outfit,” Savage recalled.
Despite these setbacks, Savage chose to embrace and amplify her style. “I am very stubborn. So I was like, my dress is just going to get shorter and my shirt is going to get more revealing,” she said. This defiance not only solidified her image as a sex symbol but also garnered the admiration and support of female fans, helping her build a strong supporter base.
Tiwa Savage’s perseverance paid off, and she eventually became one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian pop music. Her success helped pave the way for other female artists in the industry.
Recently, she expanded her talents into the film industry, starring in and executive producing ‘Water & Garri.’ Her journey from music to movies showcases her versatility and determination to succeed despite the challenges she faced.
