Tiwa Savage defends Tems exclusion from Afrobeats top artists

Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has argued that Tems deserves recognition as one of the top Afrobeats artists after being excluded from the genre’s “Big 3.” The term traditionally refers to male artists Davido, Burna Boy and Wizkid, who are widely regarded as Nigeria’s most successful global musical exports.

In an interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra, Savage questioned the criteria used to select the “Big 3,” suggesting that it overlooks the achievements of female artists in Afrobeats. She highlighted the exclusion of female singers from top‑tier recognition and cited Tems as a clear example. Savage noted that certain artists have more resources to promote their music, which can lead to greater exposure and a skewed perception of success.

Tems has gained significant recognition in recent years, rising to fame in 2020 after collaborating with Wizkid on the song “Essence.” Since then, she has won two Grammy Awards: one in 2023 for her contribution to “Wait For U” and another in 2025 for “Best African Performance.” Savage argued that these achievements warrant Tems’ inclusion in discussions about the top Afrobeats artists.

The debate underscores the importance of recognizing female artists’ contributions to the Afrobeats genre. Savage’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about the criteria used to evaluate success in the music industry and the need to give female artists equal recognition. As Afrobeats continues to gain global popularity, the discussion around representation and recognition of female artists is likely to persist.