In the most recent episode of African Voices Changemakers, CNN’s Larry Madowo sits down with Afrobeats sensation Tiwa Savage, who has recently ventured into acting with her debut in the film ‘Water & Garri,’ which she also produced. They discuss this new chapter in her career and what lies ahead for her music journey.
Talking about her foray into acting, Savage reveals to Madowo, “Acting was actually my first love before music. I always incorporated a bit of it in my music videos. But it took some time for it to come full circle.”
She continues, “I started off in acting. I was really passionate about it in secondary school. However, I developed a crush on a guy who was into music, which led me to switch gears and pursue a career in music instead of acting.”
In the movie, Savage portrays Aisha, a Nigerian fashion designer thriving in the US but who, upon facing tragedy back home, returns after ten years to find everything changed. When asked if Aisha’s story mirrors her own, Savage reflects, “While I came back to Nigeria to pursue my dreams, it was different for her as she went to America to chase hers. Nevertheless, there are parallels in our journeys as we both felt the need to travel to fulfill our aspirations.”
Aside from being the film’s leading lady, Savage is also involved behind the scenes. She shares, “After being in front of the camera for so long, I wanted to experience what it was like behind the camera.”
Describing her attraction to the story and script, Savage emphasizes, “It’s crucial for people to see Africa and female perspectives in film. I love the narrative, and I believe it will showcase Africa in a different light, drawing more attention to the continent. With the rising popularity of Afrobeats music, film is catching up, and it’s vital for us to tell our own stories.”
Despite releasing an EP titled ‘Water & Garri’ in 2021, Savage curated a unique soundtrack specifically tailored to the movie. She explains the connection between the film and the five-track EP, “Initially intended as a short film, it evolved into a full-fledged project with its own identity, resulting in a distinct soundtrack.”
She adds, “Crafting the soundtrack allowed me to explore different genres and facets of my talent that I wouldn’t have been able to showcase as Tiwa Savage alone.”
Savage has collaborated with iconic stars like Brandy and Beyoncé. She expresses her admiration for Brandy, revealing, “She has always been a major inspiration for me and one of the reasons I ventured into music. Working with her was a dream come true.”
Discussing her partnership with Beyoncé, Savage expresses, “It’s a great honor, and I appreciate her shining a spotlight on Afrobeats through such an incredible project.”
Savage has paved the way for numerous young women in Afrobeats and notes the industry’s evolution, stating, “I love seeing more women thriving fearlessly in the industry. Their boldness is inspiring and motivates me.”
Madowo also meets Grammy-winning music video director Meji Alabi, who made his directorial debut with ‘Water & Garri.’ Alabi explains why he chose Cape Coast as the film’s location, “It holds significant historical importance. I felt a creative urge to create something impactful that resonated with identity and culture, not just of Cape Coast but of Africa as a whole. The history of slavery and the point of no return in Cape Coast inspired me to reclaim our stories.”
Alabi wraps up by sharing his hopes for the film’s audience, “I hope Africans in Africa and the diaspora see themselves in the film, relating to situations they may have experienced. It’s a global film with local roots, appealing to non-African audiences as well. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
Don’t miss the episode airing on:
Saturday, May 25th, 2024 at 07:30 WAT and 11:00 WAT
Sunday, May 26th, 2024 at 03:30 WAT and 18:00 WAT
For more information, visit CNN’s African Voices Changemakers