Posts
Tiwa Savage Explains Why She Rejects the “Queen of Afrobeats” Title, Says Many Women Deserve Recognition
Why Tiwa Savage Says She’s Uncomfortable Being Called the “Queen of Afrobeats”
In a recent conversation Tiwa Savage explained why she appreciates the recognition but does not fully embrace the “Queen of Afrobeats” tag — and her answer speaks to humility, responsibility, and the growing strength of women across Afrobeats.
Tiwa Savage — the Grammy-nominated singer and one of the most visible female stars of the Afrobeats generation — has long been referred to by fans and media as the “Queen of Afrobeats.” That label has followed her for years, celebrating her chart-topping singles, major international appearances and steady influence on the global rise of Afrobeats.
But in a recent interview, Tiwa was candid about how the nickname sits with her. She said while she appreciates the admiration behind the tag, she finds it “uncomfortable” and is reluctant to accept it because of the weight and expectations that come with such a title. 1
“Yeah, they call me the Queen of Afrobeats, but there are a lot of us that are Queens,” she said — a short, humble response that shifts attention away from a single crown and toward a wider circle of talented women. 2
So — why does Tiwa feel that way?
At the heart of Tiwa’s answer are three clear points: humility, responsibility, and recognition for peers.
Humility: Tiwa made it clear that accepting a title like “Queen” implies a role — and roles to her mean accountability. She told the interviewer that embracing the title would require a certain posture and that she prefers to remain grounded rather than be pinned to a public crown. 3
Responsibility: When public figures accept honorifics, the public often expects them to act as spokespeople or standard-bearers for an entire scene. Tiwa flagged that pressure and the idea that accepting such a label would change how people judge her music and actions. 4
Recognition for peers: Perhaps the most notable thread in her comment was the insistence that many female artists deserve recognition. The era of Afrobeats is no longer defined by a single queen — it’s a rich field full of women who are leading, innovating, and opening doors for others. Tiwa’s phrasing deliberately reframes the conversation from one "Queen" to many leaders across the scene. 5
Context — where the label came from
The “Queen of Afrobeats” label has been used by fans, publications and cultural commentators for several years when referring to Tiwa. It stems from her early breakthroughs, global collaborations, and consistent presence on festival stages, covers and streaming playlists. Though many outlets have used the label with admiration, Tiwa’s recent remarks remind us that labels are fans’ shorthand — not always how artists see themselves.
What this means for women in Afrobeats
Tiwa’s refusal to accept a singular crown opens room for a healthier conversation. Instead of asking who is the one “Queen,” a better question might be:
- Who are the women shaping Afrobeats today?
- How are emerging artists being supported by the industry and fans?
- What systems can we build to recognize diverse contributions — songwriting, vocal craft, production, entrepreneurship, fashion and advocacy?
Names like Tems, Yemi Alade, Ayra Starr, Asake (and many others across genders and generations) contribute to Afrobeats' global reach, each in a different way. Tiwa’s comment is a useful prompt: the scene is large enough for many leaders, and it benefits from us celebrating multiple voices. (For a fuller snapshot of the current landscape, local and international outlets continue to profile the rising names across Afrobeats.)
A note on Tiwa’s recent creative run
Tiwa remains artistically active: she’s released notable singles and projects in recent years, showing evolution in sound and perspective. While she downplays a singular crown, her work continues to influence the genre — and that influence is ultimately what people are celebrating when they use honorifics.
Fans and media — how to respond
Fans and journalists can respect Tiwa’s stance by doing three simple things:
- Report quotes accurately and include context (the interviewer, date, and main points).
- Avoid forcing an artist into a label they’ve clearly said they don’t want.
- Use the moment to celebrate the wider community rather than spark a “who’s the queen” debate.
When headlines shout for clicks, nuance matters. Tiwa’s comments are short but meaningful: she’s grateful for the love, nervous about the burden of a singular title, and keen to point out that many artists are worthy of praise. Treating those three points with respect makes for better conversations about Afrobeats and its women. 9
Conclusion — crowns are symbolic, influence is real
Labels like “Queen of Afrobeats” are shorthand for influence, popularity and legacy — and Tiwa Savage has earned all three. What she reminds us, though, is that influence doesn’t need to be boxed by a title. Her response invites fans to broaden the frame: celebrate many leaders, hold your favorites to high standards, and create room for emerging voices to wear their own crowns if and when they choose to.
What do you think? Is the “Queen of Afrobeats” label helpful or limiting? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Tag:
Comments
Be the first to comment — what’s your take on Tiwa’s statement?