Afrobeats icon Tiwa Savage has advised her fellow musicians to remain humble and grounded despite their rising fame and international success.
Speaking during an interview with Hot 97 FM in New York, the award-winning singer reminded artists that they are merely ambassadors of the Afrobeats movement and must remember that fame is fleeting.
Savage stressed that success ultimately comes from God and can be taken away at any moment, making humility and integrity essential qualities for anyone navigating the music industry.
“We are just ambassadors; we are just like the faces of Afrobeats. And that’s why we can’t let it get into our heads because we are just vessels, and there can be somebody else. God can take it away like that. So, you have to be grounded. You have to be humble,” Savage said.
The singer explained that she would rather have never experienced fame than achieve success only to lose it later due to pride or bad decisions.
“Imagine coming this far and then falling. That is worse than not ever tasting fame. I would rather have never seen in my life than seen and lost my sight. That is worse for me. So, for me, it is like, I have tasted this thing now, I have to be humble. Just for God’s sake,” she added.
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Savage, who is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern Afrobeats wave, said the music industry is filled with great highs but can also bring devastating lows for those who lose focus or compromise their values.
According to her, staying grounded is not just about personal discipline but also about safeguarding the integrity of Afrobeats as a genre that is now recognised worldwide.
During the interview, Savage also shared her admiration for some of her colleagues who are carrying the Afrobeats banner to new heights.
She praised Ayra Starr, describing her as a confident and fearless younger artist who reminds her of her own early days in the industry, though with even more boldness.
“I love Ayra Starr. It’s almost an obsession. I see myself in her, but I see a more confident one. When I was starting out, if I saw an article that my skirt was too short, the next time I might wear trousers. But Ayra would wear a skirt that is even shorter the next time. I love her confidence,” Savage said.
She also applauded Grammy winner Tems for her mysterious and low-profile persona, which she said adds depth and intrigue to her artistry.
Savage further praised Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz for his talent and his commitment to putting East Africa on the global music map.
“I love the mystery behind Tems. You don’t know too much about her and she doesn’t care. I love Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania. He is so talented and he has put his community on the map,” she said.
With Afrobeats continuing to dominate global charts, Savage’s message serves as a reminder to artists to stay humble, focused, and true to themselves as they enjoy their success.
