Tiwa Savage Confesses She Didn’t Like Being African Growing Up

Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage opened up recently at the “Unstoppable Africans” event about a deeply personal journey: while growing up in London, she admitted she “was not happy being African”. That confession landed amid a broader discussion about the rise of Afrobeats and African cultural identity.

Tiwa recounted how, as a young girl in the U.K., being African carried a weight she initially rejected. In her words, the negative stereotypes abroad and the feeling of not “fitting in” diminished the pride she might otherwise have felt. Over time, however, as Afrobeats (the musical genre) exploded globally and re-shaped how Africa is seen, her perspective changed significantly.

She pointed out that the genre had grown from nothing,  minimal infrastructure, little belief even from “our own people” initially to become, in her estimation, “the fastest-growing genre in the world”.  That success, she says, transformed how she viewed her African identity. “Now I’m so proud because of how big Afrobeats is growing.”

Tiwa’s revelation touches on issues far beyond pop music. It reflects the lived experience of diasporic Africans who often straddle two worlds,  the homeland they left behind and the foreign environment in which they grew up. The rejection of one’s roots can stem from wanting to assimilate, avoid discrimination, or simply feel accepted.

Her story also intersects with how African music and culture are perceived globally. For years, Africa’s contributions were sidelined or exoticised; now, with Afrobeats artists topping charts, filling venues, and collaborating across continents, the narrative is shifting. Tiwa anchored her own journey in this shift, giving voice to the idea that cultural confidence follows cultural success.

Moreover, her comments ring especially relevant in the context of Afrobeats’ trajectory. She referenced past predictions that the genre would fade after its “15 minutes of fame” and dismissed them outright: “We are still here… we are filling stadiums, and we are getting the biggest songs on the charts right now.” In doing so, she tied her personal confidence not just to her own career but to a collective movement.

Tiwa Savage’s career foundations trace back to the U.K., where she moved as a child and later studied. Her early music work included writing songs and doing backup vocals before returning to Nigeria to launch her solo career. That background gave her a unique vantage point,  both insider and outsider to the industry she now dominates.

Her confession about not liking being African growing up aligns with earlier accounts of feeling othered, battling insecurities about her skin tone, and experiencing firsthand the cultural dissonance of diaspora life. As she gained prominence, the success of Afrobeats offered a mirror in which she didn’t just see acceptance, but powerful affirmation.

Tiwa’s story isn’t just a personal anecdote; it signals broader cultural implications. First, it underscores how identity can evolve. What once felt like a burden being African in an environment that undervalued that origin became part of a winning story when African culture gained global cachet.

Second, it reinforces the role of music (and culture generally) in shifting perceptions. As Afrobeats permeates new markets and generations, the legacy of African artists expands. Tiwa is effectively saying: because our music is strong, our identity can be strong too.

Lastly, for younger Africans (on the continent and in the diaspora) her journey offers both authenticity and hope: authenticity in speaking about past insecurities, and hope in being able to transcend them. Her message could resonate with many who still wrestle with belonging, representation and pride.