“It’s Uncomfortable but I Appreciate It” – Tiwa Savage Reacts to Being Crowned ‘Queen of Afrobeats’

In the world of music, titles are often bestowed on artists by their fans, critics, or the industry at large. From Michael Jackson being called the “King of Pop” to Beyoncé earning the moniker “Queen Bey,” such labels are meant to immortalize the influence and impact of artists who have broken barriers in their respective genres. However, sometimes these titles come with mixed feelings, and that was exactly the case with Nigerian global superstar Tiwa Savage, who recently reacted to being called the “Queen of Afrobeats.” The multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and performer admitted that while she appreciates the love and admiration that comes with such recognition, she also finds it “uncomfortable” because of what it implies and the expectations it creates.

Tiwa Savage has been a dominant force in Afrobeats for more than a decade, and her contributions to the genre are undeniable. From chart-topping hits like Kele Kele Love, Eminado, 49-99, to her international collaborations with the likes of Brandy, Beyoncé, Wizkid, and Sam Smith, Tiwa has not only carried Afrobeats on her shoulders but has also been instrumental in its global recognition. Her ability to fuse Afro rhythms with R&B, pop, and soul has given her a unique sound that resonates with audiences across continents. Yet, despite all these accomplishments, the singer is not entirely comfortable with the weighty crown that fans and the media have placed on her.

“It’s uncomfortable. What does that even mean? I appreciate it though,” Tiwa Savage responded when asked about being widely hailed as the “Queen of Afrobeats.” Her statement reflects both humility and a subtle critique of the need to categorize and label artists in a way that sometimes oversimplifies their artistry. For Tiwa, the title might feel limiting, as though her contributions are being boxed into a crown that only defines one part of her essence as an artist. After all, while she has been a frontrunner in Afrobeats, her music often transcends that genre, drawing influences from global sounds, and reflecting the complexity of her identity as a Nigerian-born, UK-raised, US-educated musician with a truly international outlook.

The reaction stirred conversations among fans and music enthusiasts, with some understanding her perspective and others insisting that she should embrace the crown proudly. For many, Tiwa Savage represents more than just a musician; she is a trailblazer who broke barriers for women in the Nigerian music industry, which has often been male-dominated. At a time when female artists were not given as much recognition or opportunities, Tiwa Savage boldly entered the scene and demanded space, using her talent, charisma, and relentless drive to ensure that female voices were not just heard but celebrated. For this reason, calling her the “Queen of Afrobeats” is not merely about her music but about her role in changing the narrative for women in African music.

In her career journey, Tiwa has faced obstacles that tested her resilience, from industry sexism to personal controversies that could have derailed a less determined artist. Yet, she has consistently bounced back stronger, using every challenge as fuel for her art. Her Grammy nominations, MTV awards, BET recognition, and countless African music accolades have further cemented her place in history. She is one of the few African artists who can sell out international arenas, perform at Coachella, headline global festivals, and still stay grounded in her Nigerian roots. For her fans, all these achievements make the title “Queen of Afrobeats” not just fitting but inevitable.

Still, Tiwa’s reluctance to fully embrace the crown is perhaps a reflection of her forward-looking vision. Many great artists are often wary of labels because they suggest a peak, as though they have already reached the pinnacle of their careers. For Tiwa Savage, whose creativity continues to evolve, such a title may feel premature, especially when she still has so much she wants to achieve. By calling the label “uncomfortable,” she is reminding everyone that her artistry cannot be contained by a single crown, and that she prefers to let her work speak louder than any title.

Her statement also raises broader questions about the culture of crowning artists. While titles like “King” or “Queen” of certain genres are meant to honor, they sometimes create unhealthy competition or unrealistic expectations. For example, when an artist is dubbed the “Queen of Afrobeats,” it may inadvertently dismiss the contributions of other female artists who are equally making waves in the genre. Names like Yemi Alade, Asa, Ayra Starr, Tems, and others come to mind, all of whom have carved out their unique paths and global recognition. Tiwa Savage, by expressing discomfort, may also be acknowledging that Afrobeats is too vast, too diverse, and too dynamic to be ruled by one “monarch.”

Nonetheless, her appreciation for the title shows that she understands it comes from a place of love and admiration. Fans who have followed her journey feel emotionally invested in her success, and in their eyes, she has earned the right to wear that crown, whether she accepts it or not. To them, she is more than a superstar; she is a symbol of resilience, grace, and cultural pride.

The timing of Tiwa’s statement is also significant, given that Afrobeats is currently at its highest global peak. With artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Rema dominating international charts, Afrobeats has become a global export, influencing mainstream music in the US, UK, and beyond. In such a male-dominated wave, Tiwa Savage’s presence as one of the few women consistently carrying the flag is even more remarkable. Her music has shown the world that Afrobeats is not just about rhythm but about storytelling, emotion, and soul.

Her humility in rejecting the absoluteness of the crown may, in fact, be what makes her even more deserving of it. Tiwa Savage’s greatness lies not just in her ability to create hits but in her ability to inspire. She inspires young women to believe that they can achieve greatness in spaces where they are often underestimated. She inspires the global music industry to take Afrobeats seriously. And she inspires her fans to embrace their culture while still being global citizens.

Ultimately, whether she accepts the crown or not, Tiwa Savage’s legacy is already sealed. She has opened doors for future generations of female Afrobeats artists, and her name will forever be written in the story of the genre. Titles may fade, crowns may shift, but her impact will remain undeniable. Her statement, “It’s uncomfortable. What does that even mean? I appreciate it though,” is not a rejection of the love her fans show her but rather a reminder that she is an artist first and a “queen” only by circumstance. And perhaps that is the most powerful kind of queen there is—the one who wears the crown lightly, focused not on titles but on the art that changes lives.