Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has opened up about a past relationship with a fellow public figure, saying the experience left her feeling disrespected, and explained why she does not claim the title “Queen of Afrobeats.”
Speaking on the Joe Budden Podcast, Savage said her former partner insisted on keeping their relationship private while openly engaging with other women in her presence. “It’s a disrespect. Like, you know, I’m a public figure and he is as well,” she said, adding that he often told her secrecy was necessary to protect their relationship.
Savage recalled attending events with him and watching him interact closely with other women under the guise of avoiding suspicion. “We might be in the same event and he’s working the room, probably talking, rubbing, and I’m there. He’s still looking at me like, ‘I’m just doing it.’ And I can’t say nothing,” she said. She did not reveal his identity but confirmed the situation contributed to the end of their relationship.
When asked about being called the “Queen of Afrobeats,” Savage rejected the title, insisting it undermines other female artists in the genre. “If I say that, then what are the other girls who are doing it and killing it? I think we’re all queens,” she said.
The singer also reflected on her career milestones, including becoming one of the first African female artists signed to Universal Music Group. While the achievement is now celebrated, she noted that it came after years of rejection. “Before I could be the first, it was a lot of no’s,” she said.
