Tiwa Savage Explains Why She Won't Sign Upcoming Artistes

Nigerian singer and songwriter Tiwa Savage has addressed her decision not to sign emerging artists, attributing it to the challenges associated with managing their careers.

In a recent interview with Forbes Africa, the 45-year-old Afrobeats star expressed that she does not feel equipped to oversee other artists under her label. She remarked, "Everyone always says to me, 'When are you going to sign an artiste?' I don't think I have the gift to sign another artiste, because artistes are stressful." 

Instead of signing new artists, Savage aims to create opportunities for them through alternative means. She is working on establishing a music school where aspiring musicians can hone their craft before potentially signing with record labels that can provide the support they need. She explained, "But I do have the gift to help, which is why I am trying to do the music school, where you can go and later sign to a label that can actually help you." 

Savage also emphasized the importance of building a thriving local music industry, stating that African artists should focus on developing their own ecosystem rather than constantly seeking validation abroad. She noted, "Why are we trying to break into another market? We should build our own to be the one others try to break into."