Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has opened up about the perception that she does not support or collaborate with female artistes, revealing that some of her previous collaborations with Ghanaian singers did not receive the promotion she expected.
Speaking about the issue, Tiwa pointed to songs she recorded with Ghanaian music stars Efya and Becca, questioning why the projects were not given enough promotional attention. She also mentioned collaborations with other female artistes, including Waje, Simi and AyraStarr.
According to Tiwa, the lack of promotion for some of these collaborations has made it difficult for her to feel encouraged to continue working with female artistes.
Her comments have reignited discussions about the challenges female musicians face in Africa, particularly when it comes to collaboration, promotion, industry support and sustaining momentum after releasing music.
The conversation has also sparked criticism of some Ghanaian female artistes, with claims that a lack of consistency and aggressive self-promotion may be contributing to their struggle to reach greater heights.
Tiwa Savage’s remarks therefore raise a bigger question: Is the challenge facing female artistes a lack of hard work, inadequate promotion, limited industry support—or a combination of all three?
Female collaboration and collective support could play an important role in pushing more African women in music onto the global stage.