Award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tiwa Savage, has opened up about her early struggles with cultural identity, admitting that there was a time she wasn’t proud of being African.
Speaking in a recent interview, the “Somebody’s Son” crooner revealed that growing up abroad exposed her to racial discrimination and cultural stereotypes that made her feel disconnected from her African heritage.
“There was a time I wasn’t happy being African,” Tiwa confessed. “As a young girl living in the UK, I faced a lot of bullying because of my accent, my skin, and even the food I ate. It made me feel like being African wasn’t something to be proud of.”
She explained that her perspective changed after she began to reconnect with her roots through music and storytelling, realizing the richness and global influence of African culture.
“When I started doing Afrobeats, I found myself again,” she said. “I saw how powerful our sound, language, and fashion are. Now, I’m proud to represent Africa anywhere in the world.”
Tiwa Savage, who has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages and collaborated with international stars like Brandy and Beyoncé, said her journey has become a message of empowerment to young Africans struggling with similar identity crises.
“I want every African child in the diaspora to know that being African is powerful,” she emphasized. “We are beautiful, creative, and unstoppable when we embrace who we are.”
Fans across social media have applauded her honesty and courage, praising her for shedding light on a reality many Africans abroad still face.
Cultural commentators say Tiwa’s story reflects the growing awareness among global Africans about the importance of self-acceptance and cultural pride, particularly as Afrobeats continues to gain worldwide dominance.
With her upcoming projects and recent foray into film, Tiwa Savage continues to use her platform to tell authentic African stories a sharp contrast to the insecurities she once felt about her identity.
