Afrobeats icon Tiwa Savage has opened up about the artists who fuel her creativity, naming Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as significant influences. In a recent sit-down with Rolling Stone Africa, the singer explained that her inspiration comes from a diverse range of sources, including her own contemporaries in the industry.
Beyond her peers, Savage noted that she draws from the vocal styling of American R&B star Brandy and the complexities of jazz music. However, she emphasized that her ultimate guidance comes from a higher power.
“I am inspired by so many people. Musically, I am inspired by Brandy…I also listen to Jazz… I am inspired by my peers,” she stated. “You know, Wiz, Burna, David. You know, everybody. I am inspired by so many people but I look up to God.”
These remarks offer an interesting perspective given Savage’s past comments regarding the industry’s hierarchy.
In 2025, she challenged the popular “Big 3” narrative, a term frequently used to categorize Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as Nigeria’s primary global exports. At the time, she argued that such labels often marginalize leading female artists within the Afrobeats scene.
She previously pointed out that certain artists benefit from higher earnings and more substantial promotional resources, which dictates their visibility. Savage also maintained that any conversation regarding the industry’s top tier is incomplete without acknowledging the impact of artists like Tems.
