A global star is born. Tiwa Savage, who rose to become one of the biggest female hits in Africa after signing with Mavin Records in 2012, is set to become an international sensation following the contract she just signed with Universal Music Group. Universal Music Group is the record label behind the success of A-list stars like Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga.
The number one African bad girl, as she likes to call herself, does remember who deserves the accolades for her steady and solid music career growth. Even as her contract with Mavin Records expired this year and she moved on in search of greater heights, she remains forever grateful for the unwavering support of her mentor, Don Jazzy.
Following Tiwa’s departure from his Mavin Records label, Don Jazzy shared a heartfelt farewell message to the resilient star on Instagram, thanking her for contributing to the amazing seven years the label experienced. He wrote,
“Our darling Tiwatope. We at Mavin would like to say a very big thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us, a friend, a sister.
It’s been an epic journey with you and we are very proud of what we have achieved together. As you start this new chapter in your life we want you to know that we are solidly behind you and can’t wait for the world to see what we have always believed you can be.
Your jersey as the first lady of Mavin will forever be yours as we do not intend to fill that position with anyone else. We love you from the bottom of our hearts and pray God’s blessings to continue to follow you.”
And Tiwa, paying the due to whom it belonged, replied
“When I got pregnant, I was nervous to tell you so I decided to tell you at the airport when we were traveling for a show. I figured you couldn’t really say much in a public place but then you told me you already knew and had already been thinking of a plan to keep my brand going while I took some time out.
I was shocked because you weren’t fazed by the news; you had already started making plans. I recorded the RED album while I was heavy and I would fall asleep during sessions and you and the whole team would crash in the studio right there with me till I woke up again and was ready to finish recording.
There was nothing you would hear about me that ever made you mad, no outfit was too crazy, no headline was too controversial for you to handle no crazy outburst no nothing. If I said today wasn’t emotional for me I would be LYING.
Please promise me that our relationship will never change. I only want to make you proud of me. Not every superhero has an S on their chest. You are my superhero DON DORO BUCCI. 7 years, 7 the number of perfection. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER. Mavin 4life #DiaFada.”
From their amicable exchange, it is apparent that there is no hard feelings between Tiwa’s move on either sides. The queen will go on to make history with the blessings of her mentor as she always has.
Tiwa’s groundbreaking achievements so far
- First African to represent Pepsi as a female ambassador.
- First female to emerge winner of the Best African Act category under MTV European MusicAwards.
- Tiwa was personally selected by Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin, to perform at the Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg alongside Jay Z, Beyonce and Ed Sheeran. The festival, which was a celebration of Nelson Mandela’s birth, pulled 70,000 strong audience and attracted millions of global views.
- She Performed at Made in America festival with Jay Z in 2017.
- Her singles have secured no. 1 spot across Africa music charts.
- Vogue US named her among the world’s Top 100 Inspirational women in fashion.
- And in the December 2018 issue of British Vogue, she appeared as one of ten women who were transforming the face of music globally.
What Signing A Record Deal With UMG Symbolizes For Tiwa Savage
International acknowledgment! According to Adam Granite, the market development head for Universal Music Group
“We are looking forward to partnering with Tiwa and her team to help her music reach new audiences around the world.”
So that’s the goal and Tiwa is determined to make it a reality. “My biggest goal,” she said
“is to make Africa proud. I’m so excited for this moment and I’m thankful to Sir Lucian Grainge and my new UMG family for their belief in my dreams. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career.”