Nigerian award-winning singer Tiwa Savage has opened up on one of the darkest realities women face in the music industry; the constant demand for sex in exchange for opportunities.
Speaking during a panel session at Entertainment Week Africa (EWx) themed “The Price Of Being Her“, the singer revealed that despite her success, she has faced situations where powerful men tried to sexually exploit her under the guise of “helping her career.”
Tiwa Savage explained that female artistes are often pressured to visit influential male executives before being booked for shows.
Sharing one of her experiences, she said:
“I had been told that if I don’t go and see ‘this chairman’ personally, I would not be put on a show.”
The singer then made a shocking revelation of how she once lost a major endorsement because she refused to travel to Dubai with a company co-owner who wanted sexual favors.
“I lost an endorsement because I refused to go to Dubai with a man who is one of the owners of the company.”
According to Tiwa, that moment changed everything.
“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.”
She emphasized that many female artists continue to suffer in silence due to career threats, bullying, and a system that protects perpetrators.
The revelation has sparked heavy reactions online, with Nigerians expressing shock and frustration at the sexism in the industry.
@mumsymaleek wrote, “Waoh… it’s everywhere. Well that doesn’t stop you from shining sis. Oil too much for your head, keep shining.” @Blessedly_ayo said, “They should be mentioning their names jor. Enough of all these stuff.” @Ahindehezekiah added, “Women are facing a lot of challenges in the music industry.” @Mrmanagertw described it as, “A little dark side of the industry.”
@Dedesvibe commented, “If beautiful women sit you down and tell you what they go through in the hands of useless horny men, you go weep. If you see their DMs.” Meanwhile, @AwobajoS wrote, “Men everyday, every interview; she no get any other thing to talk about.”
Tiwa Savage’s revelation has once again reignited conversations about gender inequality and sexual coercion within the Nigerian entertainment sector, prompting calls for stricter industry regulations and accountability.