In a special Women’s Day celebration, Airtel Uganda will on 8th March, 2015 host Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage at the Kati KatiGrounds, Lugogo. In line with the Women’s Day theme, the concert will feature only women performers, with FlaviaTumusiime emceeing at the event.
A line up of top female artistes including; Rema, Irene Ntale, Cindy, Sheebah, Keko, Lillian Mbabazi as well as Airtel Trace Music Star winner Sandra Suubi are set to perform on the day. In an interview with Tiwa Savage, this is what she had to say.
Question: Tell us about your music journey
Tiwa: When I moved to USA, I got a scholarship to study music. After my music studies were over, Tunji Balogun (TJ), my manager, started explaining to me how Afrobeat music was growing and how there was an absence in the female category. It was something he believed we could work. So, we decided to take the risk.
Question: Your debut album ‘Once Upon A Time’ was a huge success for you. Tell us about it?
Tiwa: ‘Once Upon A Time’ was really a good experience for me. I had a lot of songs on it that bubbled a lot of genres like RnB, Afro pop, Reggae, etc. This album was very rewarding to work on mainly because it was a collection of Good Music.
Question: One of the huge songs off that album was ‘Eminado’ with Don Jazzy. Take us through the process of making it a hit and what it actually means.
Tiwa: I went to a studio and I heard Don Jazzy singing ‘Eminado! Eminado! and I liked the vibe. I enjoyed being part of that song.According to Don Jazzy’s Dictionary, Eminado means good-luck charm.
Question: What do you listen to when you’re going to record a song?
Tiwa: To be honest, I don’t listen to anything. When I’m recording, I try to stay in a bubble and I just write from my heart. Basically, I write what I feel people need to listen to.
Question: How was your debut acting experience with MTV’s Shuga?
Tiwa: It was great showcasing my acting skills for the first time. It was such a blessing working with a great casting and crew. I had fun and learnt a lot about that industry.
Question: So, what is in the pipeline?
Tiwa: I have a TV show that I host with Banky W. I’m working on more videos and songs. So, I have a lot in stock for you.
Question: How does working with Don Jazzy feel?
Tiwa: Well, to me he is a legend and for me to work with him every day, I feel lucky and humbled.See, Don Jazzy is a guy who is so talented yet humble enough to give someone like me a chance. It means a lot. In my opinion, he’s not just a producer.He is someone that creates an artiste and brands them.
Question: Are you signed on any label?
Tiwa: Yeah, I’m signed to 323 Entertainment that I co-own with my husband TJ and we have a partnership with Mavin records.
Question: What do you think of Afrobeat as a genre?
Tiwa: I think it’s great and amazing to see that Afrobeat is gaining recognition globally. It’s fresh and growing.
