Renowned singer Tiwa Savage has revealed that sexual demands in exchange for opportunities remain one of the biggest challenges faced by women in the Nigerian music industry.
During a panel organised by Entertainment Week Africa, she explained that she had faced situations where influential male executives suggested she needed to “visit” them before being considered for certain show bookings—highlighting the persistent obstacles female artistes encounter.
She further disclosed that she once lost a major endorsement deal simply because she refused an invitation to travel to Dubai with the company’s co-owner.
According to her, the incident opened her eyes to how some industry executives seemed to value her body far more than her artistry.
“In fact,” she recounted, “I was told outright that if I didn’t go and see ‘this chairman’ in person, I wouldn’t be added to the show. I even lost an endorsement because I wouldn’t follow a company owner to Dubai.”
That was the moment I realised they weren’t interested in my talent — only my body, which I showcased merely as part of my branding. In the end, it backfired, because that became the only thing they chose to see.”