Global Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has spoken out about being labelled the “Queen of Afrobeats,” stating that she does not fully embrace the title, despite fans and the media often associating it with her name.
Speaking in a recent interview with Apple Music’s Ebro, Savage explained that while she appreciates the love, she is not entirely comfortable with the tag because it comes with added pressure and does not reflect the collaborative nature of Afrobeats.
“Yeah, they call me the Queen of Afrobeats, but there are a lot of us that are Queens,” Savage said. “Personally, I don’t like that tag, it’s uncomfortable because I feel like if I start accepting it, I need to be humble, and secondly, it doesn’t make sense to me. So, I don’t [accept it]. But I appreciate it.”
Savage acknowledged that the title likely came about because she was one of the first female artists from Nigeria to achieve international recognition in Afrobeats. “I think it’s just because I was one of the first female artists in Nigeria to break through,” she said. “I do appreciate that. I’m not taking it for granted.”
Tiwa Savage, often called “Mama Jam Jam” by her fans, is one of the leading voices of the Afrobeats movement. Over the last decade, she has played a key role in shaping the genre and pushing it to the global stage. With hit songs like Eminado, All Over, 49-99, and Somebody’s Son, Savage has consistently dominated the charts and influenced a new generation of female artists.
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Her decision to reject the title “Queen of Afrobeats” highlights a growing conversation in the music industry about sharing recognition and encouraging inclusivity. By turning down the crown, Savage is reminding fans that Afrobeats is a collective success story built by many artists, both male and female.
Savage’s comments are also important because she has become one of the most recognisable African female artists worldwide. She was the first African woman to sign a global deal with Universal Music Group in 2019, a move that helped bring Afrobeats into mainstream international markets.
She has performed at some of the world’s biggest music festivals, including Coachella in 2019, where she shared the stage with global superstars. In 2021, she collaborated with American singer Brandy on the song Somebody’s Son, which became an instant hit and was widely celebrated across Africa and beyond.
Her music has earned her several awards and nominations, including the MTV Europe Music Awards, the Headies, and a BET Award for Best International Act. In 2023, she made history as the first female Afrobeats artist to perform at a British royal event, taking the stage at King Charles III’s Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.
Despite these milestones, Savage insists that the Afrobeats movement is bigger than any one artist. Her call to recognise other female musicians draws attention to stars like Yemi Alade, Ayra Starr, Tems, Teni, and Simi, who are also making waves globally.
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By sharing the spotlight, Savage is encouraging fans to celebrate the diversity of voices in the genre. Her comments underline that Afrobeats is not just about one “queen” or “king” but about a generation of artists driving African music to unprecedented global heights.
With her continued global influence and new projects on the horizon, Tiwa Savage remains one of the most important figures in African music, title or no title.
