Popular Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has spoken out about the ongoing pressure women face in the country’s music industry to exchange sexual favors for opportunities.
During a panel discussion at Entertainment Week Africa, Savage shared personal experiences where she was urged to meet influential male executives in person before being considered for certain performances.
She also revealed that she lost an endorsement deal after refusing to travel to Dubai with the company’s co-owner.
Reflecting on these incidents, Savage said she came to understand that some industry executives valued her body over her talent.
“I was told that if I didn’t meet this chairman personally, I wouldn’t be booked for a show. I even lost an endorsement because I refused to travel to Dubai with one of the company’s owners.
“That’s when I realised they weren’t valuing my talent—they were only seeing my body, which I was presenting as part of my branding. It was hurtful because that’s all they were focused on,” she said.
