Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Tiwa Savage has been honored at the prestigious 2025 Forbes Women Africa Leading Women Summit, an event celebrating exceptional women making significant contributions in their respective fields.
Held in South Africa, the summit brought together a distinguished group of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, recognizing their impact across various industries.
Tiwa Savage was among the influential personalities acknowledged at the event, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in African music and entertainment.
Alongside Tiwa Savage, several notable Nigerians were recognized for their remarkable achievements. Among them was Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and former Nigerian Minister of Finance, as well as singer and multidisciplinary artist Nissi Ogulu.
Others honored included Dr. Arunmah Oteh, a former head of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission, and Eniola Shokunbi. Each of these women has made significant strides in their respective careers, earning them well-deserved accolades at the summit.
Tiwa Savage was presented with the prestigious Media Icon Award, a testament to her influence in the global entertainment industry. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her groundbreaking work in international trade and economic development.
Rising star Nissi Ogulu, known for her music and artistic contributions, was awarded the Youth Icon Prize, while Dr. Arunmah Oteh received the Change Maker of the Decade award for her contributions to finance and governance.
The recognition of these outstanding women highlights their lasting impact on society and their dedication to breaking barriers.
For Tiwa Savage, this latest honor adds to an already impressive career filled with groundbreaking achievements. Recognized as one of the most influential Afrobeats artists of the 21st century, she continues to set new standards in the music industry.
Kicking off 2025 in grand style, she recently released her latest single, Commitment, featuring British R&B legend Craig David. The collaboration showcases her signature vocal prowess alongside Craig David, who remains a favorite in Nigeria for his classic hits like 7 Days and Walking Away from his acclaimed 2000 album, Born to Do It.
Since making her breakthrough over a decade ago, Tiwa Savage has remained a dominant force in Nigerian music, carving out a space for female artists in a male-dominated industry. Her ability to consistently deliver chart-topping hits has solidified her legacy as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians.
Among her many milestones, one of the most notable was her historic performance at the coronation of King Charles III, where she became the first Nigerian artist to perform at a British royal event.
With this latest recognition from Forbes Women Africa, Tiwa Savage continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of African artists.
The complete list of the 2025 Forbes Africa Women Icon Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award – Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Social Impact Award – Wanjira Mathai
Young Achiever Award – Eniola Shokunbi
Next Generation Award – Hephzibah Akinwale
Youth Icon Award – Nissi Ogulu
Media Icon Award – Tiwa Savage
Academic Excellence Award – Dr Adriana Marais
Sports Award – Sue Destombes
Visionary Ally Award – Soul Deng
Entertainer of the Year Award – Sarah Hassan
Excellence in Entertainment Award – Minnie Dlamini
Technology and Innovation Award – Jessica Mshama
Champion of Change Award – Dr Glenda Gray
Businesswoman Award – Rita Zwane
Champion of Entertainment Promotion Award – Tholsi Pillay
Change Maker of the Decade Award – Arunma Oteh
