12 Years of Once Upon A Time: Celebrating Tiwa Savage’s Groundbreaking Debut and Anticipating Her Next Chapter

Aimee Cherry Quartey
By
12 Years of Once Upon A Time: Celebrating Tiwa Savage’s Groundbreaking Debut and Anticipating Her Next Chapter
Tiwa Savage
Twelve years ago, the Nigerian music industry witnessed a defining moment with the release of Once Upon A Time, the debut album by Tiwa Savage. At a time when the Afrobeats landscape was still evolving and largely male-dominated, Tiwa stepped into the spotlight with a bold fusion of R&B, Afropop, and soulful melodies that instantly set her apart.

Released on July 3rd, 2013, Once Upon A Time was more than just an album, it was a cultural reset. The 21-track project introduced audiences to a refreshing female voice in Afrobeats, blending vulnerability with strength, modern pop with traditional Nigerian rhythms. From her iconic breakout single KELE KELE LOVE to fan favorites like LOVE ME (3x), IFE WA GBONA featuring Leo Wonder, and EMINADO featuring Don Jazzy, the album showcased Tiwa’s vocal versatility and knack for hit-making.

Tiwa’s arrival signaled that Nigerian women could not only play in the same arena as their male counterparts, they could lead it. Once Upon A Time was nominated for multiple awards, earning her spots on major stages across Africa and internationally. The album’s fusion of English and Yoruba lyrics, combined with its polished production and heartfelt songwriting, helped to expand the global appeal of Afrobeats and inspired a new generation of female artistes.

Critics praised her for seamlessly blending Western influences with deeply African roots, a sonic balance that was fresh at the time and has since become a staple of the genre.

Over the past 12 years, Tiwa Savage has evolved into one of Afrobeats’ most formidable global ambassadors, becoming the first African female artist signed to Roc Nation, performing on global platforms such as MTV EMAs, Global Citizen, and the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. Her discography now includes acclaimed projects like R.E.D (2015), Sugarcane (2017), Celia (2020), and her 2021 EP Water & Garri, which saw collaborations with the likes of Brandy and Amaarae.

Now, as she marks this important 12-year milestone, fans are eagerly awaiting her next body of work, This One Is Personal. The title alone suggests a deeper, more intimate offering and in recent interviews, Tiwa has hinted that the project will reflect themes of motherhood, resilience, heartbreak, and growth.

Set to drop later this year, This One Is Personal is expected to show a more stripped-down and vulnerable Tiwa Savage, both musically and lyrically. With the recent success of Water & Garri: The Film, which premiered on Prime Video alongside her EP re-release, Tiwa continues to blur the lines between music, storytelling, and visual art.

Tiwa Savage’s journey from Once Upon A Time to now is more than just a personal achievement, it’s a blueprint. She proved that women in Afrobeats could command both commercial success and artistic credibility. In doing so, she laid the groundwork for other powerhouse acts like Ayra Starr, Tems, Gyakie, Tyla, Qing Madi, and many more.

As we anticipate This One Is Personal, Tiwa stands not only as a veteran of the genre but also as a continuing force for innovation and representation in African music.

Tiwa Savage didn’t just make a debut — she made a declaration. And twelve years later, she’s still telling stories that matter.

Comments

MORE FROM
music

More From 3Music News

Coco Blasian Discusses Her Interracial Identity
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | April 1st, 2026

Coco Blasian Discusses Her Interracial Identity

Born and raised in Japan, Coco moved to Ghana at the age of six, spending part of her early childhood there before returning to Japan. She describes her life as one lived across two worlds, where she is often seen as a foreigner in both cultures...

Vanessa Gyan Urges Women To Choose Happiness, Independence And Self-Worth
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | April 1st, 2026

Vanessa Gyan Urges Women To Choose Happiness, Independence And Self-Worth

“We pour so much into other people,” she said. “But you have to pour into yourself first.” For Vanessa, self-care can be as simple as taking time out, looking good and feeling good…

What Really Causes A Runny Tummy, Dr Christian Aminarh Breaks It Down
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 31st, 2026

What Really Causes A Runny Tummy, Dr Christian Aminarh Breaks It Down

normal bowel habits differ from person to person: some people go once daily, others go once every two to three days but both can be completely normal depending on diet and metabolism...

Mariam K.A. Buahin On Mentorship, Impact And Authentic Leadership
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 31st, 2026

Mariam K.A. Buahin On Mentorship, Impact And Authentic Leadership

At the 6th edition of the 3Media Women’s Brunch, marketing and corporate leader Mariam Kaleem Agyeman-Buahin delivered a deeply reflective and inspiring message on mentorship, impact and the power of sharing one’s journey...

GFA Parts Ways With Otto Addo Ahead Of Crucial World Cup Phase
entertainment | sports | BY Christabel Newman | March 31st, 2026

GFA Parts Ways With Otto Addo Ahead Of Crucial World Cup Phase

The Ghana Football Association has officially announced its decision to part ways with Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure with the national team...

Selina Beb Chose Passion Over Profession
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 31st, 2026

Selina Beb Chose Passion Over Profession

Selina Beb proudly shared that her designs have been featured on major international platforms including BBC, CNN and VOA.

Efia Shemona On Identity And The Miss Ghana UK Journey
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 31st, 2026

Efia Shemona On Identity And The Miss Ghana UK Journey

“You’ve been smiling for hours,” she shared. “Even when your name isn’t called, you still have to hold that poise.” It’s a test not just of beauty, but of discipline, emotional intelligence and resilience

Baruwa Makes Waves with Viral Single Too Sweet Ashaiman-Lebanon
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | March 30th, 2026

Baruwa Makes Waves with Viral Single Too Sweet Ashaiman-Lebanon

Ashaiman-based rising artiste Baruwa is gaining serious traction in the Ghanaian music scene with his buzzing single Too Sweet (Ashaiman-Lebanon), featuring Baamuji

Juliet Asantewaa Asante On Embracing Every Phase Of Womanhood
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | sports | BY Christabel Newman | March 30th, 2026

Juliet Asantewaa Asante On Embracing Every Phase Of Womanhood

In a relatable moment, she shared her own experience of reinvention, revealing that she is currently raising her adopted daughter, who is still in school...

Kokui Selormey Hanson Calls For Urgent Shift In Women’s Wellness Conversations
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 30th, 2026

Kokui Selormey Hanson Calls For Urgent Shift In Women’s Wellness Conversations

“A lot of women are suffering in silence,” she stated, emphasizing that the current medical landscape is not always equipped with the empathy required to fully support women through their health journeys...

3Media Networks Gathers Powerful Women Under One Roof
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | BY Christabel Newman | March 30th, 2026

3Media Networks Gathers Powerful Women Under One Roof

Held in commemoration of International Women’s Day, the event once again brought together women from diverse industries across Ghana and beyond for a powerful day of storytelling, empowerment and connection...

Moliy Wins Big at the IHEARTRADIO MUSIC AWARDS
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Christabel Newman | March 27th, 2026

Moliy Wins Big at the IHEARTRADIO MUSIC AWARDS

This win at the iHeartRadio Music Awards further cements Moliy’s position as one of the continent’s most exciting exports...

More Similar Videos

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper
music,entertainment | Lerny Lomotey | October 27th, 2025

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper