Entertainment

Tiwa Savage Opens Up About Life After Leaving Mavin

Published

3 months ago

May 20, 2026

Tiwa Savage leaving Mavin opened her eyes to how record labels affect artists’ mental health and emotional support systems

Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has opened up about the emotional impact of leaving Mavin Records, revealing that she only realised the importance of a supportive record label after her departure.

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Speaking during a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast hosted by Joey Akan, Tiwa Savage explained that record labels play a powerful role in the mental health and wellbeing of artists beyond music and business.

Tiwa Savage speaks candidly on Mavin exit highlighted how the singer previously relied on the emotional support system she enjoyed under Mavin Records, particularly from label boss Don Jazzy and fellow artistes at the label.

According to her, whenever controversies surfaced online during her time at Mavin, she would often seek comfort and advice from Don Jazzy and her colleagues, describing the environment as deeply supportive and family-oriented.

Tiwa said the experience changed significantly after joining an international label, noting that foreign labels are often more business-driven and less emotionally connected to the personal struggles of artists.

She admitted that she misses the close-knit atmosphere she enjoyed at Mavin, where she felt safe enough to openly express vulnerability and emotions.

Tiwa Savage explains life after Mavin Records, comments also included advice to upcoming artistes, urging them to carefully consider whether a record label genuinely cares about their wellbeing or simply views them as commercial assets.

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Tiwa Savage joined Mavin Records in 2012 before leaving the label in 2019 to sign with Universal Music Group. Despite the transition, she has repeatedly maintained that Mavin remains family to her.

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Festivals

Gaani Festival unites resilient peoples in Nikki

Published

1 day ago

August 31, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Gaani Festival unites the Baatonou, Waasangari and Boo in Nikki, Benin, with horsemen, sacred drums and allegiance to the King (more…)

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

5 days ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”