“Yes, they refer to me as the Queen of Afrobeats, but there are many of us who are Queens..."
Afrobeats Vocalist, Tiwa Savage has expressed her discomfort with being labeled as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” emphasizing that there are numerous other female artists who equally merit the designation.
Savage articulated that while she values her fans referring to her as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” she refrains from embracing the title due to the significant responsibilities it entails.
In a recent discussion with Apple Music’s Ebro, the artist stated, “Yes, they refer to me as the Queen of Afrobeats, but there are many of us who are Queens.
“Personally, I find that label unsettling; it burdens me because I believe that if I begin to accept it, I must practice humility, and furthermore, it lacks meaning for me. Hence, I do not [accept it]. Nevertheless, I appreciate it. I did not originate it. I think it arises from my status as one of the first female artists in Nigeria to achieve a breakthrough. I do value that. I do not take it for granted. ”
Is Tiwa Savage the Queen of Afrobeats?
From her breakout single "Kele Kele Love" in 2010, Tiwa Savage left an indelible impression on the emerging Afrobeats landscape. At a juncture when the sector was predominantly male-oriented, she did not merely partake; she excelled. Her early music presented a captivating amalgamation of R&B elements and vibrant Afrobeats tempos, expressed with a vocal strength that was both emotive and commanding. She infused a degree of sophistication, allure, and relatable lyricism that strongly resonated with audiences, particularly women, who discovered an articulate voice for their experiences within her melodies.
What renders Tiwa’s claim to the throne especially persuasive is her extraordinary consistency and growth. Over the span of more than a decade, she has produced a succession of chart-topping hits—ranging from "Eminado" to "Ma Lo," "All Over" to "Somebody's Son." Each phase has showcased her ability to reinvent, adapt, and broaden the horizons of her sound, collaborating with a diverse array of artists from Wizkid and Olamide to Omarion and Brandy. She has adeptly navigated the evolving landscape of the music industry, preserving her significance and novelty without compromising her fundamental identity. This unremitting production of high-quality, impactful music stands as a hallmark of genuine royalty.
