Award-winning singer Tiwa Savage has openly addressed a troubling issue. She spoke about the sexual pressures female artists endure in the Nigerian music industry. Tiwa revealed that demands for sex in exchange for opportunities remain a major barrier for many women.
The acclaimed musician shared her insights during a session at Entertainment Week Africa. Her personal experiences highlighted the deep-seated exploitation she and other female artistes constantly face.
Demands to ‘Personally See’ Executives
Tiwa Savage recalled being repeatedly told to “personally see” powerful male executives. This was a condition for securing slots on certain shows. “I had been told that if I don’t go and see this ‘chairman’ personally, I would not be put on a show,” Savage revealed.
She explained that such requests were often presented as mandatory. This made it clear that compliance, not talent, determined access to career opportunities.
Losing an Endorsement Deal
The music star also described a painful incident. She lost a lucrative endorsement deal. This happened because she refused a sexual advance from a company stakeholder.
“I lost an endorsement because I refused to go to Dubai with a man who is one of the owners of the company,” she stated. According to Savage, this situation clearly showed some executives were more interested in exploiting her body. They had little interest in nurturing her artistry.
Realizing Objectification: ‘They Don’t Value My Talent’
Savage said this experience was a turning point in her career. It forced her to confront an uncomfortable reality. Female performers are often objectified in the industry.
“That was when I realised that they don’t value my talent but my body,” she shared. She noted that she only flaunted her body as part of her branding. She explained her choice of image was part of her creative identity and brand positioning. However, exploitative male executives reduced it to an invitation for sexual advances.
“It ended up hurting me because that is all they were seeing,” she added. Tiwa Savage’s revelations shed light on the pervasive challenges faced by women striving for success in the Nigerian music industry.
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