Tiwa Savage: I Once Felt Ashamed of Being African, But Afrobeats Changed Everything
Story: written by Zara October 30,2025
Nigerian music star, Tiwa Savage, has dismissed recent claims that Afrobeats is losing its global relevance, insisting that the genre remains one of the fastest-growing and most influential sounds in the world.
Her response comes after prominent industry figures such as Paul Okoye (Paulo) and DJ Big N suggested that Afrobeats was experiencing its lowest moment in nearly two decades.
Speaking at the Unstoppable Africans event, Savage boldly stated that Afrobeats is far from declining, emphasizing that the genre continues to dominate international charts, sell out arenas, and inspire cultural pride across the globe.
The award-winning singer reflected on her personal journey, revealing that growing up in London, she once felt embarrassed about being African. However, the global rise of Afrobeats has since transformed her perception and given her immense pride in her heritage.
“Afrobeats is the fastest-growing genre in the world,” she said. “We built this movement from nothing—without support, without infrastructure, and even without belief from our own people at the beginning. But look at us now—selling out stadiums and topping charts.”
Savage further dismissed critics who predicted that Afrobeats would fade after a brief moment of fame.
“There was a time people said Afrobeats would only last 15 minutes, but here we are—stronger than ever. The world can’t ignore us. We are Africans, and we are unstoppable,” she declared.
