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

Fear, Faith and Finding Her Voice: Inside Akuvi’s Journey of Becoming
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | October 31st, 2025

Fear, Faith and Finding Her Voice: Inside Akuvi’s Journey of Becoming

What makes Akuvi different is her refusal to separate art from emotion. “People think they need to wait until they’re confident or ready,” she said. “But that’s just insecurity in disguise. I’ve learned to do it scared.”

Akuvi: An Afro-Soul Dreamer Bridging Ghana, Norway and the World
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | October 31st, 2025

Akuvi: An Afro-Soul Dreamer Bridging Ghana, Norway and the World

Akuvi decided to confront her fears head-on and recorded her first song, OBLIGATIONS, a heartfelt conversation with God about her purpose.

THE ODYSSEY: Arathejay’s Journey Through Faith, Sound and Survival
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | October 30th, 2025

THE ODYSSEY: Arathejay’s Journey Through Faith, Sound and Survival

“THE ODYSSEY is a journey,” Arathejay says. “It’s what makes me who I am, the experiences, the pain, the faith, everything.”

Arathejay Speaks on Finding Purpose Beyond the Pain
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | October 30th, 2025

Arathejay Speaks on Finding Purpose Beyond the Pain

For Ghanaian artiste Arathejay, music is more than rhythm it’s a revelation. Known for his introspective storytelling and calm demeanour, the rising star opens up about faith, pain and purpose in his latest project, THE ODYSSEY

Chef Abbys Lands 2 Tiktok Awards Nominations
entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | October 30th, 2025

Chef Abbys Lands 2 Tiktok Awards Nominations

Ghanaian culinary content creator, Chef Abbys, continues to make waves on the global digital scene as she earns not one but two nominations at this year’s TikTok Awards. Among her honours is a nod for Creator of the Year, a recognition that reaffirms her influence as one of Africa’s standout creators.

AYRA STARR IS BRINGING HER HOT BODY TO TIDAL RAVE FESTIVAL 2025
entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | October 30th, 2025

AYRA STARR IS BRINGING HER HOT BODY TO TIDAL RAVE FESTIVAL 2025

Ayra Starr, is set to light up Ghana this November as one of the headline acts for Tidal Rave Festival 2025. The much-anticipated event will take place at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on November 15, promising an unforgettable day of music, fashion and pure coastal energy.

Drela, The Afro-Fusion Star Bridging Lagos and Accra
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | October 30th, 2025

Drela, The Afro-Fusion Star Bridging Lagos and Accra

That connection led to DEM DEAD, Drela’s breakout collaboration with Stonebwoy a record that introduced him to the Ghanaian market. “Working with Stonebwoy was one of the biggest moments of my life,” he said. “I’ve looked up to him since I was 15.”

Guru Opens Up About Leadership, Activism and Growth
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | October 30th, 2025

Guru Opens Up About Leadership, Activism and Growth

Weeks after leaving office, Guru trended online for calling out what he described as “bad behaviour” among some student influencers. He clarified that it wasn’t a rant but a call for accountability. “Bad behaviour is bad behaviour.

Guru Returns to His Roots with a Bold Street Anthem and Fresh Energy
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | October 30th, 2025

Guru Returns to His Roots with a Bold Street Anthem and Fresh Energy

Guru revealed that his latest release is not just a musical experiment but a reflection of real-life stories and social observations. “The song talks about what’s really happening around us. There’s no fiction. It’s real life. People relate because it’s the truth.”

GoldBod Jewellery Appoints Bola Ray and Jocelyn Dumas as Brand Ambassadors
entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | BY Christabel Newman | October 29th, 2025

GoldBod Jewellery Appoints Bola Ray and Jocelyn Dumas as Brand Ambassadors

Bola Ray and Jocelyn Dumas represent excellence and authenticity, the very values that define the GoldBod Jewellery brand,” he said. “Their appointment marks a major milestone in GoldBod’s mission to promote local value addition to the country’s gold resources

Strei Teams Up With BabyBoy AV For New Afrobeats Hit CRAZILY
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | October 29th, 2025

Strei Teams Up With BabyBoy AV For New Afrobeats Hit CRAZILY

“Meeting AV in the studio felt completely natural,” Strei shares. “The vibe was effortless, we both drew from real love experiences and the chemistry just flowed.”

Moliy Lands Feature On Ciara Song
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | October 29th, 2025

Moliy Lands Feature On Ciara Song

The news broke after Ciara confirmed the collaboration during an interview on Joe and Jada, sparking excitement across social media. Moliy, who has been making waves with her distinctive Afro-fusion sound, continues to prove her global appeal.

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