On April 26th, 2015, Jay-Z tweeted: “My cousin just moved to Nigeria to discover new talent. Tidal is a global company.” One year later, it appears Nigerian artist, Tiwa Savage, is the lucky “new talent.”
On Wednesday, June 8, 2016, Savage took to Instagram and posted a picture featuring herself, Jay-Z and the Chief Executive Officer of the record label, to which she is presently signed, Marvin Records’ Don Jazzy. She captioned the picture “Marvin X Roc Nation,” and stated that the three posed for the picture at Jay-Z’s Roc Nation’s Office in New York City.
Savage posted the picture to confirm the rumor that she has signed a management and publishing deal with Roc Nation. This is not only great for her career; it is also history in the making. Her deal with Roc Nation makes Tiwa Savage the first – and so far, the only – Nigerian female artist to sign with an American entertainment label.
The rumor regarding the possibility of Ms. Savage signing a deal with Roc Nation first became public last month. At that time, Nigerian-based A-list promoter and entertainment consultant Bizzle Osikoya, whose employment with Marvin Records was allegedly terminated, posted a picture of Tiwa Savage with the caption:
“[a]ccording to our Roc Nation sources, Jay Z, [who is extremely] extremely impressed at Tiwa’s catalogue and profile, gave the go ahead for the deal yesterday, put together by Roc Nation’s Briant Biggs and Shawn Pecas. So expect BIG things from Tiwa this year!”
Now that the announcement has broken, it seems Osikoya was evidently well-informed.
Tiwa Savage’s fans must be thinking, what is next? Well, according to Osikoya, “Expect big things from Tiwa this year.” Indeed, her fans have a lot to look forward to. Not only has Ms. Savage completed the deal with Roc Nation, but also she just debuted a mini-documentary on the famous E! Channel yesterday, Sunday, June 12, 2016.
In 20mins, this should be interesting. Got my popcorn ready. A sneak look into my life #Channel124 ??
A photo posted by Tiwa Savage (@tiwasavage) on
Ms. Savage’s recent good fortune has come after she experienced some marital problems in April 2016. She had previously terminated her husband’s employment as her manager and replaced him with Emeka Mekka Millions. Unhappy and battling depression, her husband, Tunji Balogun a.k.a Tee Billz, allegedly attempted suicide and blamed Savage publicly.
The past few months must have been difficult for Savage; however, her ability to press forward to make this Roc Nation deal and her mini-documentary happen certainly demonstrates her strength.
Her accomplishments are a source of pride to Nigerians, and she is certainly a role model to young African women. Congratulations Tiwa! We foresee more stunning music from here.
