I won’t sign emerging Artistes – Tiwa Savage

Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress Tiwa Savage has revealed that she has no plans to sign emerging artistes, citing the stress and responsibility involved in managing musicians.

The Somebody’s Son singer stated that instead of signing artistes, she prefers to focus on creating an ecosystem where African musicians can thrive independently.

Speaking in an interview with Forbes Africa , Savage explained that managing artistes can be overwhelming, and she does not feel suited for the role.

“Everyone always asks me, ‘When will you sign an artiste?’ I don’t think I have the gift to sign another artiste because artistes are stressful. I could just be sleeping, and then I wake up to find my artiste trending for something unexpected,” she said.

However, she emphasised her commitment to supporting artistes in other ways, particularly through education and industry development.

“But I do have the gift to help, which is why I am trying to establish a music school where artistes can learn and later sign with a label that can genuinely support them,” she added.

Savage also urged African artistes to prioritise strengthening the continent’s music industry rather than constantly seeking validation from international markets.

She said, “Why are we trying to break into another market? We should build ours to be the one others strive to enter.

“If we had the right infrastructure, affordable data, and investment, we wouldn’t need to chase validation elsewhere.”

Having built a career spanning Afrobeats, jazz, and even film production—debuting as an executive producer in 2024 with Water and Garri—Savage is now looking beyond music.

“I want to enter my mogul era—billionaire Tiwa Savage,” she declared.