How Don Jazzy influenced me to sing in Nigerian languages — Tiwa Savage

The Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage has spoken about the influence of Don Jazzy, the renowned record producer, on her growth in the music industry.

In a recent interview on Arise TV, the artiste explained that although she began her career as an R&B singer, Don Jazzy encouraged her to embrace Afrobeats and incorporate Nigerian languages into her music.

She admitted the shift was initially difficult but said it eventually broadened her audience and transformed her musical identity.

“It wasn’t easy. But being under Don Jazzy really helped. He made me see that talent isn’t limited,” she said.

“He pushed me to try different things, singing in Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin. He even pushed me to do ‘Eminado,’ which I didn’t like at first.

“I thought, ‘This isn’t me.’ But that became one of my biggest Pan-African records. I learned to trust the process.”

Tiwa Savage was previously signed to Mavin Records, the label established by Don Jazzy.

She joined the label in 2012 as one of its pioneer artistes and remained there until her departure in 2019.

In recent developments, the singer, through her foundation, has provided a three-year fully funded scholarship to 18 upcoming Nigerian singers, songwriters, producers, and music professionals.

The recipients are set to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, United States, after completing a training programme.