Renowned Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has expressed her discomfort with being referred to as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” citing the presence of numerous other deserving female artists in the genre. In a recent interview with Apple Music’s Ebro, Savage acknowledged the appreciation she has for her fans who bestowed the title upon her, but emphasized her reluctance to accept it.
Savage explained that the designation carries significant responsibilities, which she feels would require her to remain humble. She stated, “They call me the Queen of Afrobeats, but there are a lot of us that are Queens.” This sentiment reflects her awareness of the thriving Afrobeats scene, which features a diverse range of talented female artists.
The singer’s breakthrough in the Nigerian music industry has been notable, and she is often credited as one of the first female artists to achieve widespread success. However, Savage prefers not to be singled out as the sole “Queen of Afrobeats,” instead choosing to recognize the contributions of her peers. She appreciates the recognition but does not take it for granted, acknowledging that her early success may have contributed to the title.
Savage’s comments offer insight into the evolving Afrobeats landscape, where female artists are increasingly gaining recognition for their talents. As the genre continues to gain international attention, it is likely that the debate surrounding the “Queen of Afrobeats” title will persist. For now, Savage remains focused on her music, preferring to let her work speak for itself rather than embracing a title that she feels may not accurately reflect the diversity of talent within the Afrobeats scene.
The Afrobeats genre has experienced significant growth in recent years, with artists like Savage playing a crucial role in its global popularity. As the scene continues to expand, it will be interesting to see how the narrative surrounding female artists in Afrobeats unfolds. With her candid comments, Savage has sparked a conversation about the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse range of talent within the genre.
