Before the global stages and chart-topping records, Tiwa Savage was a 24-year-old student at Berklee College of Music, studying Professional Music. She was there on scholarship — an opportunity she says changed the direction of her career.

Looking back on that moment, she said:

I know this personally because at the age of 24. I was awarded a scholarship to attend the world-class institution, Berklee College of Music. That opportunity changed my perspective. It expanded my understanding of global systems, and the power of knowledge behind creativity. It showed me that talent is universal — but access is not.

That access is now at the centre of her latest move.

Years after that scholarship shaped her own path, Tiwa has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, an initiative focused on discovering, developing and supporting the next generation of African music creatives. But the Foundation isn’t limited to artists alone. It is built around the wider ecosystem that sustains the industry — the producers, engineers, songwriters, publishers, lawyers and composers who often work behind the scenes.

As she put it:

Afrobeats has captured the world’s attention but an industry cannot stand on artists alone. Behind every global sound is an ecosystem of Producers, engineers, entertainment lawyers, publishers, innovators, composers, the person who scores the music to your favorite movie or the person who uses music as a tool for healing. These are the architects of structure, ownership and longevity. If we do not intentionally develop them, we weaken the very house we are trying to grow.

The Foundation launches with a partnership that feels especially personal. Tiwa has teamed up with Berklee College of Music to bring an immersive programme directly to Nigeria. The Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme will mark the first-ever Berklee on the Road initiative in the country — a full-circle moment for the alumna (Berklee PDM ’07).

Berklee President Jim Lucchese described the collaboration as a significant step for the institution’s global outreach:

The Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, our first-ever Berklee on the Road in Nigeria, will continue to increase access to Berklee’s curriculum around the world through the generosity and collaborative spirit of one of our most accomplished and dedicated alums. The program presents a tremendous and unique opportunity for global artists; I look forward to seeing the artistry and creativity that results from these exciting workshops.

Jason Camelio, Assistant Vice President for Berklee Global Programs and Partnerships, added:

Our team connects the Berklee community to the world and the world to the Berklee community. These educational experiences are best accomplished with the knowledge and expertise of leading artists and alumni. There is no better way to connect with the music community in Nigeria than with Tiwa Savage. We see this program and relationship as a historic pathway forward to enrich our educational and artistic experiences, inspire our students and teachers, and open doors for the next generation of emerging artists.

Beyond training and mentorship, Tiwa says the Foundation is also about preparing African creatives for the realities of a rapidly shifting industry — particularly as technology continues to transform how music is made and owned.

The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is my commitment in giving others that same opportunity that was given to me because as technology reshapes music, we must be prepared. Artificial Intelligence is transforming everything, the question is not whether it will affect African music … it already is. The question is whether we will be educated leaders in this space, or observers left behind. For too long, African creatives have been perceived as late to global systems. Education changes that. Access changes that. Ownership changes that.

The programme will run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., culminating in a live showcase where participants present original work blending global music styles with West African traditions. Selected participants will receive scholarship awards and tailored guidance on further study through Berklee’s in-person and online programmes.

For emerging musicians, producers, songwriters and creatives across Africa who are interested in taking part, applications are now open and will close on 20 March 2026. Admission is highly selective, and there is no tuition cost for accepted participants.

 

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Seen two music divas lately? Tiwa Savage and Cardi B were spotted together in New York City at Cardi’s party, and it was such a lovely moment, with Cardi even sharing clips of their time on her Instagram Story.

What we are particularly excited about is this photo of the two of them side by side, serving serious face card and beauty. Tiwa, with her short dark hair, kept it cool in a black graphic t-shirt with bold text and cartoon imagery, layered with gold chain necklaces. Beside her, Cardi went for full-on chic in a striking red ribbed dress with a front zip detail, paired with her sleek, straight dark hair.

It is always a delight to see women in music link up like this, especially when both are queens in their own right. And while we love this party moment, it comes just two weeks after Tiwa released her fourth studio album, “This One Is Personal” — a project already sparking plenty of excitement among her fans worldwide.

Face card, music, and friendship — Tiwa Savage and Cardi B gave us all three in one photo.

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Got a favourite track yet from Tiwa Savage‘s latest album, This One Is Personal? If not, this might help you decide. The Afrobeats queen recently celebrated the release of her powerful 15-track album with an intimate live performance session on BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Album Launch Party, delivering soulful vocals and a setlist that highlighted the album’s depth and artistry.

Dressed in sleek black alongside her band, with a striking red backdrop setting the mood, Tiwa brought tracks like “Angel Dust,” “Holding It Down,” “10,” and “On the Low” (featuring Skepta) to life. The performance wasn’t only about the music; it was also about storytelling. Each song was performed with such depth and meaning that you could almost feel the emotions behind every lyric.

In an exclusive sit-down conversation, Tiwa opened up about the inspiration behind “This One Is Personal,” her journey as a boundary-breaking African artist, and the realities of balancing motherhood with a global music career. She also shared how she’s managed to continually reinvent herself while holding her place as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices.

“This One Is Personal” is streaming now, but watching Tiwa perform these tracks live, breaking them down one by one, adds a whole new layer to the listening experience.

Watch below

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Tiwa Savage has released her fourth studio album, “This One Is Personal,” a 15-track project that draws deeply from her own life. The body of work explores themes of love, heartbreak, faith, and renewal, presenting what she describes as her “most vulnerable” record to date.

“It’s the most vulnerable I’ve ever been on a record,” Savage told Apple Music. “Every single record resonates with an experience I’ve gone through. It took two years for me to do this record.”

Recorded in different parts of the world, the album feels like pages from her personal diary. Tiwa admits it came out of a difficult period in her life, but making it turned out to be “very therapeutic too.” The album keeps its guest list small—Skepta, Taves, and James Fauntleroy are the only featured artists—leaving room for Savage’s voice and storytelling to take the lead. Preceded by the singles “You4Me” and “On the Low” featuring Skepta, the project moves between stripped-back piano ballads, mid-tempo grooves, and raw, confessional songwriting.

Highlights include the piano-led “I’m Done”, the narrative-driven “10%”, and “You’re Not the First (You’re Just the Worst)”, which captures her unflinching honesty. On “Pray No More”, Savage reshapes expectations around prayer, while “Change” takes a more spiritual turn as she reflects on her relationship with God.

Listen below

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Have you been listening to Johnny Drille’s latest song, Over the Moon? He never misses when it comes to love songs you can truly enjoy, and this time he’s joined by Tiwa Savage, who adds her own unique charm to the track.

Just recently, Johnny Drille made the song even more endearing with the release of its video, which beautifully brings the lyrics to life.

Set in an office, the video follows Johnny as he plays the colleague who can’t help but smile every time the woman he fancies walks by. Their quiet glances soon turn into something more, and before long, the pair find themselves caught up in a sweet romance. In one scene, they’re seen sharing a close moment, only for Tiwa Savage to walk in on them, adding a surprising twist to the story.

Watch the video below.

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Are you feeling the groove and the love in Tiwa Savage’s new track, “On The Low” featuring Skepta? It’s the kind of song that stirs up all the emotions — and if you’ve been playing it on repeat, you’re not alone.

“On The Low” weaves together the rhythms of Afrobeats and the moody essence of UK R\&B, setting the tone for a story of love unfolding away from prying eyes. The song explores a relationship kept quiet, perhaps because of external pressure, complicated circumstances, or fear of judgement. Still, the desire between them is undeniable, with a longing for intimacy and moments shared in private.

And now, with the release of the video, that quiet tension and connection come to life on screen. With just Tiwa and Skepta taking centre stage, the visual is simple yet intimate.  A perfect match for the song’s message.

Watch the video below.

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Remember when Tiwa Savage gave us “You4Me” earlier this year and it instantly felt different? Not just a new single vibe — but like something bigger was coming? And then she released “On The Low” with Skepta, and yeah, at that point, the signs were loud.

Well, she finally said what we were all hoping for. Tiwa’s new album “This One is Personal” is officially on the way. Mark your calendars for August 29 because we’re getting 15 new tracks.

She made the announcement on Instagram with a photo that looks like something out of a fairytale-slash-retro dream. Tiwa is sitting on a beautiful tall stack of pastel and jewel-toned mattresses, holding a silver boombox. The vibe is Afro princess meets vintage nostalgia. It’s theatrical in the quietest, most thoughtful way.

She revealed that the album was two years in the making. It was recorded in multiple cities — Nashville, Lagos, Malibu, San Francisco, London — and is full of real emotions and real-life stories. “Some of these records were born out of pain and very dark times,” she wrote. “But every single song… is something I went through.”

She even called the album a “chunk of my heart” and says she excited, nervous, a bit scared but immensely grateful.

 

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After weeks of subtle hints and teaser clips, Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage and British-Nigerian rapper  Skepta have finally made it official with “On The Low,” their smooth new single ahead of her fourth studio album “This One Is Personal.”

It follows April’s “You4Me,” that soft, swoony R&B number she described as a gift for her RnB lovers.

Produced by Rymez, “On The Low” floats between Afrobeats and smoky UK R&B. Tiwa Savage glides through the beat with that confidence she wears so well, while Skepta steps in with a verse that’s sharp, calm, and clean.

Lyrically, it stays in the world of private love. It is about the kind of romance that lives in soft moments, unspoken habits, and low-lit memories.

Listen below

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When Adekunle Gold released his debut album Gold on July 28, 2016, it was more than just another project from an emerging artist, it was a cultural statement.

At a time when Nigerian pop music leaned heavily into club hits and dancefloor bangers, Gold introduced something different: a warm, nostalgic blend of Highlife, Afro-soul, and Folk, wrapped in soothing vocals and honest storytelling.

Today, Adekunle Gold is a global Afrobeats powerhouse, known for his boundary-pushing sound, bold fashion choices, and his suave alter ego AG Baby. But before all the glitz and global features, there was Gold, a deeply personal, sonically rich album that laid the foundation for everything that followed.

As Adekunle Gold debut album, Gold clocks nine years, here are 9 things you might have forgotten about this iconic project.

1. Before the music, he was the “King of Photoshop”

9 YEARS AGO TODAY@adekunleGOLD dropped his amazing debut album

The project featured amazing songs & hits like "Orente", "No Forget Ft Simi", "Pick Up", "Ready", "Sade" and more

What's your favourite song? pic.twitter.com/3ZuSnsQ2km

— NOTJUSTOK (@NOTJUSTOK) July 28, 2025

Long before he became a household name in music, Adekunle Gold was an internet sensation for an entirely different reason, graphic design. He earned the nickname “King of Photoshop” after his hilarious, well-edited pictures of himself alongside celebrities like Tiwa Savage went viral.

But this wasn’t just random internet fun. Adekunle Gold studied Graphics at Lagos State Polytechnic and used his skills in visual storytelling to build an audience before his musical breakthrough. That background in creativity and aesthetics would later influence his album artwork, branding, and visuals, all of which became central to his identity as an artist.

2. Sade was actually a One Direction cover

Yes, you read that right. The song that put Adekunle Gold on the map, Sade, was a Highlife cover of One Direction’s Story of My Life. But what made it special was the way he localized the song’s emotion and lyrics, transforming it into a tale of unrequited love that resonated deeply with Nigerian audiences.

Released independently before he joined YBNL Nation, Sade quickly went viral, showcasing his ability to fuse Western melodies with indigenous storytelling, a trademark that would carry through to Gold.

3. Gold dropped earlier than planned

10 years ago today, I released the greatest cover of all time; Sade. pic.twitter.com/I5F1rM92Yz

— BIG FISH (@adekunleGOLD) December 19, 2024

While the official release date for Gold was July 28, 2016, the album actually dropped three days earlier, on July 25. The early release was a pleasant surprise for fans who had been eagerly anticipating Adekunle Gold’s first full-length body of work, and it sparked a wave of online excitement.

In an era when surprise drops weren’t as common as they are today, this unexpected move gave Gold a boost in visibility and fan engagement right out of the gate.

4. Simi’s quiet but powerful contribution

While fans were still speculating about the nature of Adekunle Gold and Simi’s relationship in 2016, few knew just how involved she was in the Gold project. Not only did Simi master several tracks on the album, but she was also the only featured artist on the project.

Her duet with Adekunle on No Forget was a standout moment, an emotionally stirring ballad that many interpreted as autobiographical. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and looking back now, it feels like an early chapter in a love story that eventually became public and permanent.

5. A Billboard debut

In a remarkable feat for a debut album, Gold peaked at #7 on the Billboard World Albums Chart in August 2016, a huge accomplishment for a Nigerian artist at the time, especially one working with such a non-commercial sound. The achievement validated not just Adekunle Gold’s talent, but the potential global reach of Nigerian folk-inspired music. It was a signal that “urban highlife,” as he called it, had international appeal.

6. The dream team behind the sound

Though Gold sounded refreshingly different, its magic came from a carefully curated production team. The album featured the work of top Nigerian producers like Pheelz, Masterkraft, B Banks, Oscar Heman-Ackah, Seyi Keyz, and Sleekamo.

Each producer brought something unique to the table, helping Adekunle blend traditional instruments with contemporary sounds. This tight-knit group was key in developing the album’s sonic identity, an identity that would define his early years and distinguish him from the crowd.

7. The 79th Element - A band born from Gold

What are your fave tracks? Share stories if you have any. I’m reading everything. pic.twitter.com/7ZbZDGEAeG

— BIG FISH (@adekunleGOLD) July 25, 2024

Following the expiration of his deal with YBNL Nation, Adekunle Gold announced a new musical chapter with the formation of his live band, The 79th Element. For fans of the periodic table, that name held symbolic weight, gold is the 79th element.

This wasn’t just a clever name. It was a declaration of independence and a commitment to live performance and musical authenticity. Gold wasn’t just a debut album; it was the birth of an identity that Adekunle would continue to evolve and refine with every release.

8. Gold was a darling among critics and award shows

Upon release, Gold received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Reviewers praised its honesty, consistency, and Adekunle’s ability to tell relatable stories through simple but powerful lyrics.

The album earned a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and was also nominated at The Headies 2018 for Best R&B/Pop Album and Album of the Year. For a debut project, these nods were a reflection of its staying power.

9. At its core, Gold was about life’s simple struggles and triumphs

What made Gold truly special was its ability to connect with everyday Nigerians. The album was full of universal themes; love (Orente, No Forget), hustle (Pick Up, Work), hope (Fight for You), and cultural pride (Temptation).

In Pick Up, for example, Adekunle sings a prayer disguised as a pop song asking God to bless his hustle and answer his calls (literally and metaphorically). In Work, he reminds listeners that wishes don’t come true without effort. These messages, wrapped in soft guitar strings and rhythmic percussion, made Gold feel personal, even spiritual.

Nine years later, Gold still holds a special place in the hearts of fans. It wasn’t flashy or overly polished, it was honest, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in Nigerian culture. It announced Adekunle Gold not just as a talented musician, but as an artist with vision, heart, and staying power.

In a music industry often driven by trends, Gold was timeless. And in many ways, it still is.

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Tiwa Savage‘s performance at the Little Simz’ Meltdown Festival over the weekend had so many beautiful moments.

Held at the Southbank Centre in London, the night had all the right ingredients—great music, a surprise fan moment, and a fashion look worth saving to your mood board. Mid-performance, Tiwa caught sight of her old English teacher in the crowd and stopped to shout her out. It was the cutest moment, and the crowd ate it up.

She performed tracks like “Ma Lo” and “You4Me,” reminding everyone why she continues to be a mainstay in Afrobeats. The energy stayed high, the vibes intentional. But let’s talk about the look.

Tiwa stepped out in a white cropped tank and a floor-sweeping blush pink satin skirt. The skirt hugged the waist, then melted into soft folds near the hem. She paired it with a coordinating headscarf tied into a bow, with one long sash dropping past her shoulder.

Then there were the accessories. chunky clear bangles stacked on both wrists that added just the right amount of drama.

And we love how her natural curls peeked out under the scarf, and with her calm, unbothered expression, she rocked the stage perfectly.

See her looks below

 

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Maleek Berry and Tiwa Savage Lyrics

4 My Body, the tenth track on Maleek Berry's new album, If Only Love Was Enough, is a slow-burning duet with Tiwa Savage; the sensual rhythm and passionate vocals create an intimate atmosphere, read the lyrics below.

Maleek Berry & Tiwa Savage - 4 My Body Lyrics

I'm a wave
I’m a wave
I’m a wave
I’m a wave
I’m a wave
It’s been long
I’m a wave
Yeah-yeah

You only want me for my body
Boy I don’t mind just keep it 100
You only want me for my body
Only want me for my (want me for my body)
You only want me for my body
I don’t mind just keep it 100
You only want me for my body
You want me for my body
My body yeah yeah

Can I say can I say what’s on my mind
I ain’t rude but you know your body right
Give me your keys I’ll take my time
'Cause I know you been patient
It's more than just your body
You got me where you want me
Yeah
I know say I be feigning
But that’s the way you teasing
I need a taste
Aww yeah
But I’ma wait for it
Girl its your birthday, you throwing the cake on me
You’re the only one that’s cruising in my jeep
Only one that I want to see yeah see yeah
I see you in my t-shirt
I know one thing, baby you my lady
We’re more then just friends
Good at keeping secrets
Playing no games, games

You only want me for my body
Boy I don’t mind just keep it 100
You only want me for my body
Only want me for my (want me for my body)
You only want me for my body
I don’t mind just keep it 100
You only want me for my body
You want me for my body
My body yeah yeah

You ain’t gotta say that
You ain’t gotta act like
You ain’t gotta talk like I don’t need you
You ain’t gotta talk like I don’t see you see you see you yeah
You get it from your mama
You ain’t with all the drama
Yeah
Girl, I go take am easy
Yeah
Oh lord oh lord
Srktt srkktt beep beep
Go low for me
Girl you got your own
Baby put it all on me
Srktt srkktt beep beep
Spending all my cheese
Along as you stay riding for me
Im all you need

I see you in my t-shirt
I know one thing, baby you my lady
We’re more than just friends
Good at keeping secrets
Playing no games, games

You only want me for my body
Boy I don’t mind just keep it 100
You only want me for my body
Only want me for my (want me for my body)
You only want me for my body
I don’t mind just keep it 100
You only want me for my body
You want me for my body
My body yeah yeah

Check Lyrics of latest songs here, and get fresh updates as they drop via X and Facebook

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Maleek Berry was starting to sense that something was missing. The British Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer was aware that the emotional and technical elements that once enlivened Afropop music were being overlooked by those who grew up with it.

"Good songs, great songwriting, great storytelling… Afrobeats fans are yearning for that right now. That's why I had to go away and put together a collection of amazing songs that people can relate to for years to come. Not only party to, but cry to, get married to, have babies to," Berry, born Maleek Shoyebi, tells OkayAfrica in an exclusive interview.

The result of that time off is Berry's debut album, If Only Love Was Enough. It's Berry's most anticipated work, which arrives just about a decade into his time in the industry as one of the most important pioneers of contemporary Afropop music.

A predominantly R&B and Afropop blend, 'If Only Love Was Enough' pays homage to the early 2010s Afrobeats sound with a strong awareness of the times. The album features new-age artists like Ruger, as well as longtime collaborators of Berry like Tiwa Savage and Wizkid. In a music landscape that has been hurtling towards global expansion and evolving its sonic identity at a dizzying pace, Berry wants to slow things down a bit. If the project sounds like a time capsule, it is likely because it has been in development for several years and incorporates a range of sonic influences from various eras.

"I've gone through so many different versions," Berry says. "I've gone through many phases of not liking a particular song or not liking a certain group of songs, and changing them over and bringing them back. The album was supposed to have dropped a long, long time ago, but I'm glad I waited this long, and I've finally arrived at this version now. I'm very proud of it."

If Only Love Was Enough is not, thematically or structurally, a cultural statement after all. The songs here explore unrequited love, romance, and existential reflections, all classic Maleek Berry themes, but the project is highly symbolic. It's a well-articulated response to the creative slump that Nigerian music has found itself in recently. Berry is aware that, on a sonic level, this project has the potential to kickstart a return to basics, reminding music makers and Afrobeats listeners of the magic and thrill of a musical era that should never have been forgotten. "In my opinion, it's going to bring a breath of fresh air and carve out a whole new direction musically and sonically for the space as well," he adds.

Berry from the past

Much of what has made Maleek Berry's sound distinct is his devotion to drawing from the past while keeping his ears open to what the present has to say. His journey into the Nigerian music scene began in 2011. While on vacation in Nigeria at the time, he would connect with some of the voices who were already molding the scene — Davido, Naeto C, Wande Coal, and Wizkid — and eventually got his first major hit with "Carolina," featuring Sauce Kid and Davido. Then there was 2013's "The Matter" featuring Wizkid. A recurrent feature of that sound was an intelligent blend of percussion and hip-hop flows. It was modern, quintessentially Nigerian, and helped blaze a trail for what the genre would go on to become.

On If Only Love Was Enough, Berry seeks the expertise of former collaborators who also ruled the scene in that era while also drawing from the R&B music he grew up listening to. "I wanted to bring those worlds together. I had to do a little bit of looking into myself as well and getting out of my way, listening to my previous projects, figuring out the greatest songs that I've written that people liked, and not overthinking it, and making sure I have something on the album for everybody."

For Berry, the sounds of the early 2000s are timeless because it was also a time with minimal distractions.

"People were writing some of the best music ever to come out. The world was a lot less distracted during that period. That was one of the main reasons for my prolonged absence. I had to go and live life to experience what it felt like to truly live the meaning of these songs. This is what real artists used to do back in the day."

Berry worked with longtime collaborators like Legendury Beatz to keep himself rooted in the sound he wanted to create. "All of us started together back in the day, working with Wiz during the Star Boy era. There were points where I was stuck, and I had certain creative blocks, and I'd go down and ask their opinion."

Berry was also tempted to jump on the amapiano wave, but his close collaborators were opposed to the idea. "We've had many moments like this during this album creation process. Legendury Beatz would sit me down and be like, 'You know you have a sound, right? You created something back then that is tangible.' Getting reminded about that and what that sound meant to people, and what it still means to people today, gave me the confidence to stick with this sound and stick with the theme."

Berry hopes that If Only Love Was Enough will be inspirational. "I always want people to be inspired by my music," he says. "I want my music to stand the test of time. So, the same way my fans are still listening to music we released in 2013 or 2016, I want to have the same impact with this music, if not more." Even more important to Berry is how this work might inspire his peers. "All of us are sharpening each other, and I want my peers to hear this album and be blown away just like everybody else."

Tiwa Savage’s new release, “You4Me,” is a slow-burning love song that lingers long after the last note. It’s giving “call your lover at midnight” vibes. It’s warm, it’s honest, and it feels like the kind of track you play when the lights are low and you’ve stopped pretending to be chill.

But if you’ve been following Tiwa for a while, you know she’s been in her soft era long before we started calling it that. Her love songs sound good and they feel like actual moments. The first kiss. The fight you didn’t see coming. The part where you stay anyway.

So if “You4Me” is currently living in your head, here are five other Tiwa love songs to put on repeat.

Add them to your playlist for soft nights, long texts, and hearts doing the absolute most.

Somebody’s Son

Love Me, Love Me, Love Me

All Over

Kele Kele

Ma Lo featuring Wizkid and Spellz

The post From “Kele Kele” to “You4Me”: 5 Tiwa Savage Love Songs We’ll Always Play on Repeat appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Have you caught the vibe in Tiwa Savage’s latest single “You4Me” yet? We’re pretty sure you have. The music superstar dropped the love song back in April, and now the official video is here to bring even more energy to the track.

As you probably already know, the song leans into R&B and Soul and might just be part of her upcoming album, which she’s hinted is titled “This One Is Personal.” “You4Me” is a gentle love song that says, in the simplest way, “we’re meant to be.” “For my R&B lovers,” Tiwa says, and this one’s truly for them.

The visuals match the song’s laid-back and romantic feel, and yes, we even get to see Tiwa showing off a few dance moves in the video.

Watch the music video below.

The post Tiwa Savage’s “You4Me” Video Is a Soft R&B Dream with a Touch of Romance appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

In this month's Best West African Songs list, OkayAfrica travels through Côte d'Ivoire, where coupé-décalé is still ruling the scene, Ghana, where artists like Lali x Lola experiment with Afropop-influenced sounds, and Nigeria, where legends make triumphant comebacks.

Tiwa Savage "You4Me" (Nigeria)

The Queen of Afrobeats, Tiwa Savage, is entering a new era. Here, she returns to her R&B roots, ditching percussion for guitars and tender lyrics. After releasing the reggae-infused "Forgiveness" last year, "You4Me" plays like an earnest, feel-good contemporary R&B track that still carries her subversive touch. The track samples Tamia's "So Into You," drawing clear connections between the influences Savage is drawing from for her upcoming project and the sounds she is looking to create. As is familiar with Savage's work, the writing is tightly constructed, and well-placed riffs anchor the vocals.

Serge Beynaud “Taper Dedans” (Côte d’Ivoire)

One of the prominent champions of coupé-decalé and loko loko, Serge Beynaud's new track "Taper Dedans" is instantly infectious and club-ready. The track is enlivened by a playful call-and-response, repetitive hooks that stick to the brain, and an explosive beat that would make a perfect soundtrack to an end-of-year music festival. With over a decade of working in the Ivorian music industry, Beynaud is one of the ardent voices that have continued to embody the communal and transformative essence of coupé-decalé while adding a modern spin.

Reekado Banks “Mukutu” (Nigeria)

In "Mukutu," Reekado Banks keeps things seductively simple. Singing over a bouncy yet stripped-down beat, Banks offers a splashy, beach-ready track for the summer. More than a decade since his debut, it's clear that Banks still knows what it takes to make a hit song.

Dayo Lamar “Woody” (Côte d'Ivoire)

Dayo Lamar's "Woody" lends itself to classic hip-hop and EDM sensibilities. Executed as if in one breath, Lamar raps over a thumping beat, clearing his mind and getting his thoughts out without an interlude or chorus. "Woody" is a short, well-defined, and brilliantly executed confessional that places sufficient trust in the sharpness of Lamar's rap flows, the slimness of the beat, and the precision with which he delivers his message.

Team Paiya “Révolté” feat. Le Grand Homme (Côte d'Ivoire)

In many ways, Team Paiya's music carries an urgency that's difficult to explain yet essential to their impressive discography. Even though they were formed in 2022 and haven't been around for long in the star-studded music scene in Côte d'Ivoire, their energetic, blended approach to music has made them a crucial part of the current success of Ivorian music. In "Révolté," their latest track, the crew blends coupé décalé, rap, and boucan in a signature sound they call "maimouna 2.0." Like their previous hits, "Révolté" has an explosive, thrilling essence that, yet again, proves how attentive Team Paiya is to the sounds and messages that move the youth.

Joyce Olong "WWYD" (Nigeria)

Nigerian indie artist Joyce Olong created much of her latest, full-length project, Soseo, in Ghana. Tucked away in a serene and spiritually charged space, Olong became a channel through which several ethereal, otherworldly songs were birthed. "WWYD," a groovy, bewitching track, is one of them. Starting with short, sharp chants and an echoey, trance-like beat, "WWYD" quickly segues into a gentle pep before Olong's soothing voice enters, asking questions and beseeching a love interest. Known for languid sounds that inspire reflection and easy living, Olong takes these qualities (her most powerful artistic qualities) and throws them into a highly experimental pot, where everything feels light, honest, and aggressively beautiful.

Lali X Lola "Unstable" feat. Oiza x Meyi (Ghana/Nigeria)

Fast-rising Ghanaian musical duo Lali X Lola share much in common with their Nigerian counterparts, Oiza x Meyi. They're both identical twins, and their music sits at the fringe of the mainstream, often melding R&B with indie and exploring Afropop and folk. In their first and fitting collaboration, both duos bring their well-oiled charm, playful but sensitive lyrics, and experimental musicality to a lively track. "Unstable" explores classic themes of self-preservation, ultimately recognizing misdeeds and reaffirming one's strength amidst a chaotic relationship. Both groups share the same concerns regarding matters of the heart, and because they're both excellent documentarians of the state of modern romance, they're compelling to listen to.

Demmi "Still Rolling" (Ghana)

Ghanaian artist and producer Demmi (McDonald Otubuah) is an ardent student of modern Afropop. Thanks to his producer background, Demmi collects references from well-known and obscure sounds, which he then simmers into groovy yet deeply personal Afropop tracks. In his latest drop, "Still Rolling," that formula comes into play excellently. His lyricism is personal and anecdotal, the beat experimental but club-ready. For Demmi, "Still Rolling" is an alluring tease of something big to come.

Melissa "Tattoo" feat. Blaqbonez  (Ghana)

Ghanaian R&B star Melissa teams up with Nigerian rapper and singer Blaqbonez for a sultry, emotion-heavy number on "Tattoo." Covering the plains of desire and tease, "Tattoo" evokes a blurry image of a sweaty dance floor filled with willing love interests. Blaqbonez's raspy tone and playfully brash lyrics complement Melissa's airy, fluttering voice. Ultimately, "Tattoo" blends the softness of R&B with the subtle bounce of Afropop into a song that would sound magical after a dip in the pool on a hot summer day.

Check out the list below:

Tiwa Savage‘s latest release, ‘You4me‘ is already giving us all the feels, but it’s her outfit that’s truly stealing the spotlight. Just days after the song’s release, she served up a look that’s equal parts nostalgic and cool.

Rocking a cool brown, oversized jacket with sharp black-and-white striped cuffs, Tiwa’s outfit immediately takes us back to the ‘90s and early 2000s, where wide, chunky belts ruled the fashion scene. Paired with high-waisted, dark brown shorts that cinch perfectly at the waist, she’s giving us all the retro vibes. And that wide leather belt is the same one we, or at least our favourite aunty wore in our teens. it’s giving a fashionable throwback moment, but somehow still feels fresh on her.

Keeping it sleek, she added short hair, chunky gold hoop earrings, and layered gold necklaces. The combination is super cool, and let’s not forget the stunning skin-to-jacket match.

See her photos below.

 

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Where are all the lovers? Tiwa Savage, the queen herself, is back with a brand new track titled ‘You4Me,’ and it’s everything your romantic playlist didn’t know it was missing. But don’t worry, even if you’re single, you can still vibe to it while hoping your future boo shows up in time to groove along with you.

Just like the title suggests, ‘You4Me’ is a love song that says, simply and sweetly, we’re meant for each other. “For my RnB lovers,” Tiwa says, and this one’s truly for them.

The song is a smooth R&B and Soul number, and it just might be part of her upcoming album, which she seems to have titled ‘This One Is Personal.’

So whether you’re in love, falling in love, or manifesting it, press play and get into the mood with ‘You4Me.’

The post Who’s Your ‘You4Me’? Tiwa Savage Just Gave Us a Love Anthem appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.