Tiwa Savage's Bold Return to R&B with "This One Is Personal"

Tiwa Savage, often referred to as the "Queen of Afrobeats," is making a significant shift in her musical career with the release of her fourth studio album, "This One Is Personal." This album marks her official debut in the R&B genre, showcasing a blend of her musical roots and contemporary influences. After over a decade of shaping modern African music, Savage is embracing new themes and sounds, reflecting her personal journey and artistic evolution.

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Savage's transition back to R&B is deeply personal. She describes the album as a return to her foundational experiences as a jazz student and R&B songwriter. The album was crafted over two years, with Savage intentionally avoiding industry feedback during its creation, stating, “I was so intentional with this record.” This decision underscores her desire to connect authentically with her audience, which she feels has been achieved more than with any of her previous projects.

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"This One Is Personal" features collaborations with notable artists such as UK rapper Skepta and Grammy-winning songwriter James Fauntleroy. Savage's approach to collaboration was organic; she sought out artists whose styles resonated with her vision for the album. The album incorporates live instrumentation, a choice that Savage emphasizes as crucial to showcasing her musicality and education background. She recorded in various locations, including Nashville and London, to capture a diverse sound.

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Savage's pivot to R&B has garnered positive responses, particularly in the United States. She expresses gratitude for the support from influential figures in the music industry, which she views as validation of her artistic direction. The album's lead single, “10%,” exemplifies her playful yet introspective approach, addressing themes of romance and personal struggles.

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In discussing the broader context of African music, Savage acknowledges the challenges faced by artists who feel confined to specific genres. She highlights the blending of musical styles in the global landscape, advocating for the freedom to explore various genres without being pigeonholed. This sentiment reflects a growing conversation within the music industry about the fluidity of genre and the need for greater acceptance of diverse musical expressions.

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While Savage has been recognized as a pioneer in Afrobeats, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the contributions of other artists in the genre. She expresses a desire to extend recognition to fellow female artists, highlighting the need for solidarity and appreciation within the industry. Looking ahead, Savage is eager to tour and share her new music, fully embracing her identity as both an Afrobeats icon and an R&B artist.

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• “This project is bringing me back to when I first started,” — Tiwa Savage

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• “I was so intentional with this record.” — Tiwa Savage

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• “Not the very beginning, but earlier — I wish I’d done this type of R&B leaning project with my full chest.” — Tiwa Savage

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Tiwa Savage's "This One Is Personal" represents a pivotal moment in her career, blending her rich musical heritage with contemporary R&B influences while challenging genre boundaries and celebrating her artistic journey.

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