Bebe Akinboade
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“I PLAN TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD” – TIWA SALVAGE

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Tiwa Salvage needs little or no introduction. In a short period of time, she has been able to register herself on the Nigerian musical scene. She has won the heart of many with her “Kele Kele Love” hit singles. She has also produced other hit songs that are making waves on airwaves right now. In this interview with BOLA AKINBOADE, she
opens up on her life plus her music career

There’s no denying that it’s a bit tougher for the women in the industry in terms of making it big; how have you been able to navigate your way to where you are now within a short period of time?
Yes, it is a little tougher for women in any industry really. I believe it is the grace of God that my record has done so well in such a short time. I really didn’t know what to expect and how I would be received. I think if you always stay true to yourself and produce great music you will achieve great success with a lot of hard work. I came into this industry not knowing what to expect but I was determined to work as hard and even harder as my fellow male musicians

You were doing so well in the UK and was backup singer for some big names in the music industry abroad; what led to your decision to relocate to Nigeria?
I am signed to SONY in the US actually but I did start in the UK. I noticed that Americans were always amazed that I am an African woman. They would ask me questions about our culture and music. I have also always loved our music and that never left me. I decided I wanted to combine that sound to my music. Relocating back to Nigeria was a smart move because that way I can be right in the middle of where this fresh breed of Nigeria talent are being formed and be part of the movement. I believe Nigerian music is the future of music worldwide. I also didn’t want an outsider to come and take our sounds and make it popular to the world. I figured instead of sitting back and watch that happen, I would be pro-active and make the move

Can you then take us back on how your journey into the music industry started?
I actually started out playing the trombone in high school but later dropped that and started singing. At 16, I went for an audition to be a back-up for George Michael and I got it. I then got many other offers to sing back-up for other artists like Mary J Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Chaka Khan and many more. I was offered a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music, where I studied Jazz music and graduated with a degree in Music business. Few months after that, I got signed on to SONY as a songwriter and I have written and worked with people like Babyface, Fantasia, Monica, Mya, Kat Deluna, Letoya Luckett (former member of Destiny’s Child) and many others

How has it been so far?
It has been great. God has been truly faithful, it can get rough at times because you have to sacrifice family, friends and even love to pursue your dreams; but it is finally come full circle. I am back home focusing on my solo career but still signed as a songwriter so, I
still travel back and forth to the US to write for other artists.

Where do you get your inspiration from and what runs through your mind when you write those songs?
It depends; when I write for other people, I take from their experiences and when I write for myself I take from my experiences or fantasies or things I have seen other people go through. God also gives me melodies and ideas all the time. I can be sleeping and I’ll
just wake up in the middle of the night with a strong melody in my head and I can’t explain where it came from.

Your hit single “Kele Kele Love” has been a success; what was running through your mind when you were writing it? Was it as a result of a personal experience?
Yes it was a combination of what I had experienced and just what we girls complain about sometimes when we all sit together and discuss boys. I knew it was a very relatable subject, but I wanted to deliver it in a fun way so it wasn’t too serious

What do you love most about been in the entertainment industry?
I love being able to touch lives and also using music as a voice for people. I love being able to use it as a platform to help and encourage others. I also love the financial freedom it gives (general laughter). Even though you go through a very, very, very long period
of being broke and being laughed at for following music and not just getting a regular job, when your time comes, it feels good to be able to help those that helped you and smile at those that doubted lol.

The name Tiwa Savage is presently everywhere; how have you been handling it?
I just take it a day at a time. I have been in the industry for a long time now and have worked with big artists and studied how they handle fame. I stay close to my few friends and family and focus on the music because when you get carried away with fame someone else will come and take your spot because you lost touch with what really
got you there.

You have a very commendable personality, very down to heart and humble; where is that coming from and how did that grace come upon you?
Again, it’s God. People are just hearing Tiwa Savage and are seeing the success but it took many years of struggling, rejections and hard work. I haven’t even achieved anywhere near what I know God has planned for me so I have to stay humble because all of it can go just like that. I believe I went through all the things I went through so that I can appreciate this time and always remember that it is not me but God that deserves the praise.

Can you tell us what growing up was like for you?
It was amazing. I was a very playful child but I got in trouble a lot because I was a bit of a tom-boy.

Your voice is also another part of you that is very commendable. Did you go through another voice training to achieve that? And what are those things you do to maintain your voice?
I did a little training when I attended Berklee, but I just listen to a lot of singers and I have grown to understand my voice. I know my strengths and that’s what I work on. I believe the most important part of singing is to portray an honest emotion in your voice. Whether its sad, happy or sassy.

Who is your greatest inspiration as a musician and song writer?
I love Brandy and as a songwriter I got to work with one of my biggest inspirations Babyface. I also love John Mayer and Kim Burrell

You have been in contact with some top musicians on the international scene due to your job as a song writer, how does that make you feel?
I feel blessed to have had that opportunity. I learnt a lot from them and it also encouraged me, at the end of the day they are human and if they can make it so can I.

What are those qualities you admire in these artistes that you feel
Nigerian artistes should also emulate?
I can’t really speak on behalf of anyone but what I would love to emulate the most is even after making so much people still having the passion to create real music. Making the time to use for fame for missionary work and always maintain a relationship with God.

What next for Tiwa Savage?
I plan to take over the world, but really though, I am going to release my next few singles very soon and just continue to build the brand name Tiwa Savage here in Nigeria and eventually spread to Africa and the world.

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