Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage has revealed that she has no intentions of signing an artist under her wing, citing the immense pressure that comes with managing talents.
Speaking in an interview with Forbes Africa, the award-winning singer admitted that while many people expect her to take on mentorship in the form of signing artists, she does not believe she has the patience or skill for it.
She emphasized the unpredictability of managing artists, describing it as a stressful and demanding responsibility.
“Everyone always says to me, ‘When are you going to sign an artist?’” she shared during the interview. “I don’t think I have the gift to sign another artist, because artists are stressful… I could just be sleeping, and then I will wake up and my artist is trending for something else.”
Tiwa’s honesty highlights the often-overlooked difficulties that come with nurturing talent, particularly in an industry where artists are constantly under public scrutiny.
However, while she may not be interested in managing artists directly, Tiwa is passionate about supporting young musicians in a different way.
She disclosed plans to establish a music school as an alternative means of guiding emerging talents. “I do have the gift to help, which is why I am trying to do the music school, where you can go and later sign to a label that can actually help you,”
she explained. This initiative reflects her commitment to empowering the next generation of African artists without the overwhelming responsibilities of traditional artist management.
Beyond her personal career and endeavors, Tiwa Savage also addressed the broader issue of ownership in the African music industry.
She emphasized the importance of African artists taking control of their creative work and the business aspects of their careers.
“We need to own our art, our publishing, our labels,” she stated. “We need to tell our own stories.”
Her remarks serve as a call to action for African musicians to prioritize independence and long-term sustainability rather than relying on external validation.
Tiwa also warned emerging artists about the dangers of rushing into fame without building a strong foundation. She explained that while the early stages of a career may seem slow, they are crucial in shaping an artist’s identity and resilience.
“Cherish the beginning,” she advised. “A lot of artists rush to the top, but once you are there, you face pressures — streams, concerts, obligations. When you start, you are free to create without limitations. Build a strong foundation, so when opinions come at you, you do not lose yourself.”
Her advice reflects her own journey in the industry, where she has had to navigate the highs and lows of success.
Additionally, the music star challenged the longstanding desire among African artists to seek validation from foreign markets. She questioned why African musicians feel the need to break into international music spaces instead of strengthening their homegrown industry.
“Why are we trying to break into another market? We should build our own to be the one others try to break into,” she asserted.
Her perspective aligns with the growing movement of African musicians and creatives advocating for industry self-sufficiency and global recognition on their own terms.
Tiwa also pointed out key areas that need improvement for the African music industry to thrive independently. She stressed the importance of infrastructure development, lower internet data costs, and increased investment in local talent.
“If we had the right infrastructure, affordable data, and investment, we would not have to chase validation elsewhere,” she said.
Her comments highlight the systemic challenges that artists face and the urgent need for solutions that will allow the African music industry to flourish without external dependence.
As one of Africa’s most influential musicians, Tiwa Savage’s insights carry significant weight. Her decision to focus on a music school rather than artist management underscores her belief in long-term development rather than short-term gains.
Through her advocacy for ownership, self-sufficiency, and a solid industry foundation, she continues to inspire the next generation of African artists to take control of their futures and redefine the global music landscape.
