Whenever a new artist pops onto the music scene we always ask the all too famous question, “but can she sing?” Well yes, Tiwa Savage can sing. With lyrics that hit straight to the heart and melodies that make your toes curl, this diva is well on her way to becoming one of Nigeria’s top female R n B singers based in the U.S. However, Tiwa is no stranger to the music scene. She has worked as a background vocalist for several artists, including Mary J. Blige and Femi Kuti. In the following Q n A session, Tiwa opens up to discuss her music and inspirations that have aided her journey in the industry so far.

What is your genre and style of music?�

My genre of music is Rhythm and Blues. Musically, I am growing each day so I portray different styles and different sounds in my music. Usually, I just allow myself to be free when recording in the studio or when performing on stage. For me, singing is about living in the moment and captivating the essence of the song and mood. I have been influenced by various artists and musicians, so when I sing sometimes you can hear that I have studied certain people and it is always a complement when you are compared to people you study. At the same time, I have a sound that is unique to my music and that is what I try to portray to my audience.

What and who has inspired you to sing?�

I actually started out playing the trombone back in High School but then I switched over to voice because it was easier to carry around (so to speak). I always had an interest in music and used to beg my mother to take me to our Church for choir practice in Nigeria. On the day she finally agreed I rushed to church early, picked out a robe, and waited with the other choir members ready to make my debut. Unfortunately, the choirmaster arrived and asked me what I thought I was doing (because you had to attend the practices for a couple of months before they let you loose on stage). I was so embarrassed and the other kids just started laughing. Although I never went back to choir practice, it made me determined to sing.

I really got into music when I moved to London. I met some amazing musicians and my work with them made me realize that I had a talent and an ear for music. �I really do not know what else I could do that would give me the same sense of completion music gives me. I worked as a junior accountant for 2 years and every morning, I mean every morning I would wake up sad because I knew that I wanted to do music instead. So when I received a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston I knew that was my ticket to leave my job.

I love my life now. I am living my dream.�Overall, my family is my inspiration. They have invested so much time and effort in my career that whenever I get bugged down with the negative aspects of the industry or I am too tired to rehearse, practice or write - I pull out pictures of my family. I immediately get this feeling in my heart that makes me want to cry. I am so far away from them also that just thinking of them and knowing that they have my back and are always praying for me is enough to recharge my batteries. Of course, God is ultimately my source of strength.�

�Are you currently working on an album?��

I am working on my first album right now and I do not have a name for it yet. I have been recording many songs, but will make the final cuts and decide which ones I am going to keep on the album, which should be completed during the Summer of 2006. There are two tracks on my website called “Walk on by” and “Middle Passage.”�

Have you worked on any projects with any other artists, specifically…any Nigerian artists or producers?�

I worked as a professional background vocalist for many artists including Mary.J.Blige, Andreas Bocelli, Kelly Clarkson, Emma Bunton (Spice girls) and many others. I have performed on TV and on tours as well. During this period, I learned so much about the politics of the music industry from working with artists, managers, and record labels. I also got a grasp of how I wanted to develop my project. It was definitely a blessing to work as a background vocalist. I have also opened for Femi Kuti in Lagos, Nigeria. He is such an amazing artist and brilliant musician. We have so much going on in Nigeria and people are just starting to tap into it. I have worked with Nigerian producers and musicians before and we definitely ROCK.

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What is one thing you would like to accomplish during your music career?

Eventually I would like to own a label and be able to develop artists and musicians and just be a light in an industry that is so dark and brutal.�

Name one person that you would love to meet in the music industry.�

I would love to have met Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah Vaughn because they are definitely two of my biggest influences, but of course, they have departed this world and left us with such great memories and music.

Katja Schiller | nigerianentertainment.com

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