Explore Tiwa Savage’s discography as we rank her albums from worst to best, highlighting her evolution in the Afrobeats scene.
Tiwa Savage’s discography reflects her journey from a budding artist to an international superstar. Each project builds upon the last, demonstrating her commitment to evolving her sound and pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats. Often hailed as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” Tiwa has made significant contributions to the Nigerian and global music scenes. Her discography showcases her evolution as an artist, blending Afropop, R&B, and other genres.
Here’s a ranking of her albums from least to most impactful:
6. Once Upon a Time (2013)
Tiwa Savage’s debut album, Once Upon a Time, introduced her as a formidable force in the music industry. Featuring singles like “Kele Kele Love” and “Eminado,” the album blended Afropop with R&B influences. While it laid the foundation for her career, showcasing her vocal prowess and versatility, subsequent projects have demonstrated her artistic growth and exploration of new sounds.
5. R.E.D (2015)
Released in December 2015, R.E.D (an acronym for “Romance, Expression, Dance”) solidified Tiwa’s presence in the Afrobeats scene. The album includes standout tracks like “My Darlin” and “Standing Ovation,” featuring collaborations with artists such as Don Jazzy and Olamide. Despite its commercial success and acclaim, some critics felt it didn’t significantly deviate from the formula established in her debut.
4. Sugarcane (2017)
The Sugarcane EP marked a pivotal moment in Tiwa Savage’s career. With hits like “Ma Lo” featuring Wizkid, the EP showcased her ability to craft infectious melodies and explore themes of love and relationships. The concise nature of the project allowed for a cohesive listening experience, highlighting her growth as a songwriter and performer.
3. Water & Garri (2021)
Water & Garri is an EP that reflects Tiwa Savage’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds. The project features collaborations with international artists and delves into deeper, more introspective themes. Tracks like “Somebody’s Son” featuring Brandy received widespread acclaim, and the EP as a whole was praised for its mature and eclectic sound.
2. Water & Garri (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2024)
In May 2024, Tiwa Savage expanded her artistic repertoire by releasing the Water & Garri (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), coinciding with her debut as a filmmaker. This 10-track album serves as the musical backdrop for the film, which explores the journey of Aisha, a fashion designer returning to Nigeria after a decade abroad. The soundtrack stands out for its rich fusion of genres, including jazz, R&B, gospel, and folk, reflecting Aisha’s complex emotional journey. Collaborations with artists like Richard Bona, The Cavemen., Aṣa, Black Sherif, and Young Jonn add depth and diversity to the project.
1. Celia (2020)
Celia stands as Tiwa Savage’s most accomplished work to date. Named after her mother, the album seamlessly blends Afrobeats, pop, and R&B, resulting in a sound that’s both authentic and globally appealing. Featuring tracks like “Koroba,” “Temptation,” and “Dangerous Love,” Celia received international recognition, including being listed among Time Magazine’s “10 Best Albums of 2020.” This project not only showcases Tiwa’s growth as an artist but also cements her status as a global music icon.
