Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage has revealed her transformative journey with cultural identity, confessing she felt ashamed of her African heritage during her London upbringing. The Grammy-nominated artist credited the global Afrobeats explosion with renewing her pride in her roots.
From Cultural Shame to African Pride
Speaking at the Unstoppable Africans event, Savage shared her personal evolution. “I remember growing up in London,” she reflected. “I was not happy being African.” This childhood experience contrasts sharply with her current outlook.
The “Somebody’s Son” hitmaker now celebrates her heritage. She attributes this shift to Afrobeats’ powerful cultural impact. The genre has reshaped global perceptions of African artistry.
Afrobeats: Defying Expectations
Savage passionately dismissed claims of Afrobeats facing decline. She emphasized the genre’s remarkable achievements despite limited resources. “We created it with nothing,” she stated. “No support. No infrastructure. No real initial belief.”
The singer highlighted Afrobeats’ current global dominance. She noted predictions of its fleeting popularity proved wrong. “They said Afrobeats would have 15 minutes of fame,” Savage recalled. “But we’re still here.”
Breaking Charts and Filling Stadiums
Savage presented compelling evidence of Afrobeats’ unstoppable growth. “We’re filling stadiums worldwide,” she declared. “Our songs dominate international charts.” The Mavin Records artist emphasized the genre’s accelerating momentum.
Citing the African diaspora’s global presence, Savage noted an intriguing statistic. “Reportedly, one in four Black people is Nigerian or African.” This demographic reality reinforces Afrobeats’ lasting influence.
An Unstoppable Cultural Force
Savage concluded with an empowering declaration about Afrobeats’ permanence. “We’re not going anywhere,” she affirmed. “Despite attempts to silence us, our music endures.” The superstar framed this resilience as inherently African.
“We are Africans,” Savage proclaimed. “And we are unstoppable.” Her statement captures the genre’s journey from marginalization to global celebration.
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