Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has voiced her discomfort with the widely used title “Queen of Afrobeats,” stating that while she appreciates the admiration, she doesn’t embrace the label due to the pressure and exclusivity it implies.
Speaking in a candid interview with Apple Music’s Ebro, Tiwa said, “Yeah, they call me the Queen of Afrobeats, but there are a lot of us that are Queens.”
She emphasized that the genre’s success is built on the contributions of many female artists, not just one.
“Personally, I don’t like that tag, it’s uncomfortable because I feel like if I start accepting it, I need to be humble and secondly, it doesn’t make sense to me. So, I don’t accept it. But I appreciate it,” she added.
Tiwa acknowledged that the title likely stems from her pioneering role as one of the first Nigerian female artists to achieve major international success.
“I didn’t come up with it. I think it’s just because I was one of the first female artistes in Nigeria to break through. I do appreciate that. I’m not taking it for granted,” she said.
Her remarks have sparked renewed conversations around recognition, representation, and the evolving role of women in Afrobeats.
While fans continue to celebrate her legacy, Tiwa’s stance highlights the importance of shared accolades and humility in the face of fame.