Tiwa Savage Reveals She Was Pressured to Meet Executives Privately for Shows
Nigerian music superstar Tiwa Savage has opened up about one of the major challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry: the pressure to exchange sexual favors for career opportunities.
Speaking candidly during a panel at Entertainment Week Africa, Tiwa revealed that she has faced multiple instances where male executives tried to take advantage of her before granting access to shows, gigs, or endorsement deals.
According to the singer, some influential figures insisted that she meet them privately before she could be included in certain lineups. In one striking incident, she disclosed losing a major endorsement deal because she refused to travel to Dubai with one of the company’s male co-owners.
Tiwa Savage said the experience was eye-opening and deeply frustrating, as it highlighted how some executives placed more value on her body than her artistic talent. She stated:
“I had been told that if I don’t go and see ‘this chairman’ personally, I would not be put on a show. I lost an endorsement because I refused to go to Dubai with a man who is one of the owners of the company. That was when I realised that they don’t value my talent but my body, which I was only flaunting as part of branding. It ended up hurting me because that is all they were seeing.”
Her revelation sheds light on the systemic challenges female artists face in the entertainment industry, particularly in navigating opportunities while maintaining personal boundaries. Tiwa’s courage in speaking out emphasizes the importance of supporting women creatives and holding exploitative practices accountable.
The singer’s story also highlights the broader conversation about sexual harassment and exploitation in creative industries, reinforcing the need for transparent policies and safe working environments for all artistes.
By sharing her experience, Tiwa Savage continues to inspire a new generation of artists to stand firm against abuse while pursuing their careers on their own terms.
