Why I delayed my UMG deal for one year —Tiwa Savage

Following her exit from Mavin records after seven years, afro-beat artiste, Tiwa Savage, who is now a member of the Universal Music Group (UMG), has revealed that her decision to quit Mavin Records, headed by music producer, Don Jazzy, was borne out of her desire to give her career a global face.

Savage, mother of one, whose marriage to Teebillz crashed about three years ago, is rated as one of the biggest female artistes currently making the continent proud, but the singer, a Pepsi ambassador, said she wanted more from her career, which, apparently Mavin might not be able to give her.

In an interview with BellaNaija, which was monitored by R on Thursday, Savage revealed that she delayed the deal to join UMG for about a year because she wanted to weigh her options and figure out a deal that worked for her and “allowed me to represent Africa and put my music out the right way.”

Speaking further on the deal that would see her future music released internationally, the Kelekele love crooner whose story is nothing short of amazing said she started discussing the deal with UMG in Los Angeles (LA) during one of her tours when she met Sir Lucian Grainge alongside Alan Granite, Joe Karts.

Savage said she was impressed by the fact that UMG was willing to sign a female Afro-beats artiste and allowing her to maintain her style of music, sound and brand but on a global level meant a lot to her.

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“It felt like everything that’s been going on in my journey led to this point. It felt right. It felt like it was the right time. Felt good that I hadn’t been working in vain.  It is really great deal and the excitement of everyone involved is “worth more than anything I can put a price to. I was doing a lot more shows outside Nigeria/Africa and I felt like it was time to give my music on a much bigger platform,” she said.

Asked how the deal would not affect her relationship with Don Jazzy and other members of the MTV Europe Music Awards for Best African Act (2018) winner said her contract with the label might have ended but her heart will remain with it for a long time.

“Contractually yes, I guess I’m not with Mavin, but I don’t think I can ever leave Mavin. It’s an emotional feeling. I’m part of the family. I’m still close to everyone. Don Jazzy is the most selfless man I have ever met. A few people might think our messages to each other is just for the gram, but honestly, 1000%, it’s very very real,” she added.