Nigerian Singer-Songwriter Tiwa Savage Celebrates 12 Years of Debut Album 'Once Upon a Time'
Nigerian singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage is celebrating 12 years since the release of her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time, a landmark project that laid the foundation for her status as one of Africa’s most influential artists. Originally released on July 3, 2013, the album was a bold statement that showcased Tiwa’s vocal range, songwriting skill, and commitment to telling authentic stories about love, identity, and hope.
Work on Once Upon a Time began as early as 2010, during which Tiwa drew inspiration from her journey as a young girl from Isale Eko in Lagos who dreamed of stardom. She wanted the album to reflect the message that every success story has humble beginnings. To bring her vision to life, Tiwa collaborated with a lineup of heavyweight producers, including Don Jazzy, Oak Felder, Harmony Samuels, GospelOnDeBeatz, Del B, Spellz, and Raydar Ellis. The album also featured notable guest artists such as Flavour N’abania, Leo Wonder, Iceberg Slim, Sarkodie, and General Pype.
The project produced a series of hit singles that became anthems across Nigeria and beyond. Songs like “Kele Kele Love”, “Love Me (3x)”, “Without My Heart”, “Ife Wa Gbona”, “Folarin”, “Olorun Mi”, and “Eminado” dominated radio charts, club playlists, and music award shows. “Kele Kele Love”, in particular, became an instant classic, earning Tiwa awards and cementing her place as a leading voice in the new wave of Afropop.
On July 3, 2025, Tiwa Savage took to social media to mark the milestone anniversary, reflecting on what the album means to her and her fans. In her heartfelt message, she wrote that she poured her heart into the project and feels proud to still be standing strong 12 years later. She thanked her fans, whom she described as her “amazing soldiers”, for their unwavering support through the years, acknowledging that their loyalty has been a pillar of her success.
Beyond the commercial hits, Once Upon a Time received critical acclaim for its versatility and depth. Reviewers praised Tiwa’s ability to blend R&B, soul, pop, and Afrobeat into a sound that felt fresh yet deeply rooted in her Nigerian heritage. The album earned nominations for Album of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies, among other recognitions. Tiwa herself has gone on to win countless awards, including MTV Africa Music Awards, Channel O Music Video Awards, and international accolades that solidify her as a powerhouse on the global stage.
What makes this anniversary even more meaningful is what Tiwa shared about her next chapter. In her anniversary message, she revealed that her upcoming project will be “raw” and free from the pressures of chasing trends or streaming numbers, just like her debut album was created. This announcement signals a return to the fearless spirit that defined Once Upon a Time, reminding her fans why they connected with her music in the first place.
View this post on Instagram
Since breaking into the mainstream, Tiwa Savage has continued to evolve while remaining authentic. Her journey has seen her perform on some of the world’s biggest stages, collaborate with international stars, and advocate for female artists across Africa. She has become an inspiration for young women who see in her story the power of persistence, talent, and self-belief.
As Once Upon a Time turns 12, Tiwa Savage stands as proof that timeless music and an unwavering connection with fans can keep an artist relevant for over a decade. With a new, heartfelt project on the horizon, she is ready to write the next chapter of her story, one that will no doubt continue to shape the African music landscape for years to come.
What's Your Reaction?
