Tiwa Savage Signs International Deal With Universal Music Group

By Doosuur Iwambe

*As Don Jazzy bids farewell to Tiwa Savage

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment has announced an exclusive global recording agreement with Nigerian pop star, Tiwatope Savage-Balogun, popularly known as Tiwa Savage.

Under the agreement, Tiwa’s future music will be released internationally through UMG’s operations in more than 60 countries worldwide.

Making history as the first female to win the Best African Act by the MTV European Music Awards and becoming the first African female to sell out London’s Indigo, 2018 was a truly memorable year for Mummy Jam Jam.

 In December, Tiwa was handpicked by Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin to perform alongside Beyonce, Ed Sheeran and Jay Z live at the Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg. Tiwa was also named one of the world’s Top 100 Inspirational Women in Fashion by Vogue US then later featured in British Vogue’s December 2018 issue as one of 10 women that are changing the face of music globally.

A resilient force within Africa’s ever-growing entertainment industry, she has also managed to carve a career as a reputable songwriter, conquering the charts in Africa whilst balancing her roles as an entrepreneur, mentor and mother.

Throughout summer 2019, Tiwa will play a string of international festivals including the UK’s Wireless Festival, Afropunk in Paris and Oh My Festival in Amsterdam.

Tiwa Savage said, “My biggest goal is to make Africa proud. I’m so excited for this moment and I’m thankful to Sir Lucian Grainge and my new UMG family for their belief in my dreams. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career.”

Adam Granite, EVP Market Development, Universal Music Group said, “We are looking forward to partnering with Tiwa and her team to help her music reach new audiences around the world.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Mavin Records, Micheal Collins, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has sent his farewell message to singer, Tiwa Savage, as she exits the group.

Savage, who just signed a deal with Universal Music Group on Thursday was associated with Mavin Records for seven years, having joined in 2012.

Don Jazzy took to his Instagram account to send a thank you message to the music goddess.

“Thank you for an amazing seven years” Our darling Tiwatope; we at Mavin would like to say a very big thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us, a friend, and a sister.

“It’s been an epic journey with you and we are very proud of what we have achieved together.

“As you start this new chapter in your life we want you to know that we are solidly behind you and can’t wait for the world to see what we have always believed you can be.

“Your jersey as the `First Lady of Mavin’ will forever be yours as we do not intend to fill that position with anyone else.

“We love you from the bottom of the heart and pray GOD’s blessings to continue to follow you. Amennnn.”

Her deal with UMG makes her the first Nigerian female act to be signed to the label.

In 2018, she made history by being the first female to be awarded the Best African Act at the MTV European Music Awards. That same year, she became the first African female act to sell out London’s Indig02.