In her latest album, “This One is Personal”, Tiwa Savage invites listeners into an intimate exploration of love and heartbreak.
Tiwa Savage’s latest album, “This One Is Personal ”has me feeling all kinds of emotions. This debut marks her fourth studio album, released under the Everything Savage and EMPIRE records partnership. Tiwa Savage has worked hard to establish herself as one of the most successful African female artists globally. We first encountered Tiwa Savage’s sound with her hit single “Kele Kele Love” released in 2010. From then, she has stayed on our speakers and the top charts with hits like “Koroba”, “Loaded” ft Asake, “Somebody’s son” ft Brandy and “Stamina.”
When Tiwa Savage is featured on a remix, she instantly elevates the track. Her star power makes these songs popular hits. With verses on “Who is your guy” ft Spyro and “No Wahala” ft 1da Banton and Kizz Daniel, she demonstrates her mastery of collaboration. She is a dynamic powerhouse who starred in and executive produced a Prime movie “Water and Garri”. She also performed at King Charles III’s coronation concert in the United Kingdom. Her latest album “This One Is Personal” showcases her signature blend of Afrobeats, R&B and soulful melodies. These tracks showcase her vocal talent and her ability to delve deeply into herself to share her emotional journey with love.
A 15-track album where R&B meets raw, vulnerable storytelling
For this 15-track album, she leans more into the R&B genre, already earning a number 1 spot on the UK iTunes R&B/ Soul charts. The album’s first track, “I’m Done”, a ballad over a soothing piano and violin arrangement, has her singing “I don’t want to love again, I am finished, I’m done.” Speaking on the direction of the album, Tiwa says, “It’s the most vulnerable I’ve ever been on a record. Every single record resonates with an experience I’ve gone through. It took two years to do this record.” The album samples Canadian singer Tamia’s popular song “So into you” on the third track “You4Me”. Where she declares that “It’s only you for me, oh, I’m into you.”
It becomes clear after hearing the first few songs on the album that Tiwa wants to share her experiences with love and relationships. She sings about finding the one, having a secret love affair and what it feels like to be completely done with a relationship. This angle is important for women everywhere who are also going through similar experiences. In her 40s, Tiwa Savage brings a seasoned perspective to love and relationships, reflecting the growth, and wisdom that come with age. She opens up about her complicated relationship with romance, love, and even looking for someone to be with. Through her music, Tiwa invites listeners into her world, offering up her vulnerability and strength through her lyrics. Her storytelling and experiences resonate deeply. Making the album not just a personal expression but a relatable journey for many women.
Read also: The style moment from Tiwa Savage’s historical performance at the coronation concert
Finding strength in her most vulnerable track, “Scared of Love”
Track 9, “Scared of Love,” stands out as one of the most revealing moments on the album. With lyrics like “We can be scared of love, scared of messing up, scared it’s not enough”. Tiwa Savage explores the vulnerability and fear that often come with opening one’s heart again after heartbreak. The raw honesty of the song shines through in her powerful voice. She proclaims that despite all the risks, she is no longer afraid to confront love head on. This track feels like an anthem for anyone learning to trust again after emotional wounds.
This vulnerability is deeply connected to Tiwa’s own life. Her highly publicised divorce in 2016 from Tunji “Tee Billz” Balogun. Left a lasting mark on her personal and public narrative. Following the split, she shared a candid story addressing the breakdown of their marriage and her emotional struggles in a YouTube video.
The release of her leaked sex tape was not just a public scandal but an act of revenge porn, a personal attack on the singer’s reputation. Instead of receiving support for this criminal violation against her, she was scrutinised and vilified. Demonstrating the complicated environment Nigerian female musicians have to tackle after becoming a household name. Rather than shy away from the pain, Tiwa chose to speak her truth. That same bravery echoes in “Scared of Love.” The song feels like a continuation of her healing journey. One where she’s no longer hiding her scars but embracing them as part of her story. The song ends with these final lyrics “Pray for me and you”.
An album that reflects the complexities of love
Songs like “Will I Run Again” and “You’re not the first (You’re just the worst)” show how much Tiwa has reflected on the version of herself that participated in these relationships. The last track, “Change” offers a conflicting end to the album. With lyrics like “Just tell me what to change into, cause I wanna be the one in love with you, Let me change into someone new, Doesn’t matter who if they fall in love with you.” Tiwa wrestles with the tension between self-identity and the desire to be loved.
The album offers a sincere reflection on how far someone might be prepared to go for love. Even if it means sacrificing parts of themselves along the way. Tiwa Savage’s latest album, “This One is Personal” is a heartfelt reflection of love and resilience. Through deeply personal lyrics, she continues to empower women by speaking openly about her own emotional journey. At 45, Tiwa proves that vulnerability is a healing and that it’s never too late to rediscover love on your own terms.
