The Afrobeats Queen opens up about losing deals and facing predatory demands from influential male executives.
Tiwa Savage, one of Africa’s most celebrated musical exports, has delivered a candid and sobering critique of the Nigerian music industry, revealing that sexual harassment remains a major barrier for female artists.
Speaking recently during a panel discussion organized by Entertainment Week Africa, the award-winning singer shared personal accounts of the “sex for opportunities” culture that pervades the entertainment sector.
Savage revealed that despite her immense talent and global recognition, she has faced situations where influential men attempted to leverage their power for sexual favors.
Savage detailed specific instances where her refusal to compromise her dignity cost her professional opportunities.
In one shocking revelation, she disclosed that she was once denied a spot on a show because she refused to meet a specific “chairman” privately. Even more damaging was the loss of a corporate partnership due to her refusal to mix business with pleasure.
“I lost an endorsement because I refused to go to Dubai with a man who is one of the owners of the company,” Savage stated.
The singer reflected on how these encounters affected her self-perception and her view of the industry. She noted that while her brand often celebrates her femininity and body, male executives frequently weaponized this against her, seeing her physical appearance as a commodity rather than appreciating her musical contributions.
“That was when I realized that they don’t value my talent but my body, which I was only flaunting as part of branding,” she explained. “It ended up hurting me because that is all they were seeing.”
As a pioneer who played a crucial role in taking the Afrobeats genre global, Tiwa Savage’s comments carry significant weight. Her willingness to speak out highlights a systemic issue that continues to affect women in entertainment, regardless of their status or success level.
