Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage says she doesn’t accept the “Queen of Afrobeats” tag, stressing that many female artists deserve recognition. She appreciates fans but finds the title uncomfortable
Tiwa Savage Rejects “Queen of Afrobeats” Title, Says Many Female Artists Deserve the Crown
Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has distanced herself from the popular label of “Queen of Afrobeats,” saying she finds the title uncomfortable and undeserving of only one person.
Speaking in a recent interview with Apple Music’s Ebro, the award-winning Nigerian singer explained that while she appreciates the love and recognition from fans, she cannot accept the crown because it places unnecessary responsibilities on her and ignores the contributions of other female stars.
“Yeah, they call me the Queen of Afrobeats, but there are a lot of us that are Queens,” Savage said.
She further clarified her discomfort with the tag saying, “Personally, I don’t like that tag, it’s uncomfortable because I feel like if I start accepting it, I need to be humble and secondly, it doesn’t make sense to me. So, I don’t [accept it]. But I appreciate it. I didn’t come up with it. I think it’s just because I was one of the first female artists in Nigeria to breakthrough. I do appreciate that. I’m not taking it for granted.”
Tiwa Savage is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Afrobeats’ global rise, with a career spanning over a decade, multiple hit singles, international collaborations, and historic performances, including at King Charles III’s coronation concert in 2023.
Her rejection of the “Queen” title has sparked discussions in the Afrobeats community about the need to celebrate multiple female voices shaping the genre, rather than boxing it into a single crown. Read More
