By Jimmy Chazama:
Acclaimed Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress Tiwa Savage, who is a champion of gender-based violence Wednesday, bridged music and kindness with a K17.5 million donation to Music Crossroads Malawi in Lilongwe.
Her visit to Music Crossroads Malawi courtesy of Copyright Fund came barely a day after her arrival before she also intermingled with creatives in the night at UN Residence.
Tiwa Savage is visiting the country with Spotlight Initiative, the United Nations high-impact enterprise to end violence against women and girls where she will be engaged in a number of doings.
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Apart from the K17.5 million, the artist also pledged to partner the centre based at Area 23 through her Tiwa Savage Music Foundation.
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During her visit to the creative hub that among others has an academy that teaches music, she interacted with students, teachers and artists, shared her journey and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.
“It would be my dream to also bring the foundation here to Malawi to partner with you guys in some way, just to better equip us all,” the artist born Tiwatope Omolara Savage, said.
The afrobeats star said that her own path was marked by rejection and stereotypes, but she never gave up.
“Every single stereotype or limitation they tried to place on me, I have broken that barrier. I am here standing in front of you today as a 46 year old woman. Do not give up,” she said.
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The award winning artist, who has contributed immensely to the growth of music in Africa, stressed that education is the foundation of success in the creative sector and praised teachers for their role in shaping future stars.
Music Crossroads Director Mathews Mfune hailed Tiwa Savage for the donation saying it will help them maintain equipment as well as acquire new gear for training.
“Her presence encourages many girls to work hard and shows them that pursuing a career as a musician is a viable path,” Mfune said.
Tiwa Savage dressed stylishly was the centre of attraction and had the audience up in cheers when she joined The Daughters Band, an –all female music outfit from Music Crossroads after they surprised her performing her track ‘All Over’.
The Nigerian artist left her mark with the singing and it was a moment that the Music Crossroads Malawi will never forget.
“She has shown us that we can rise above challenges and become something big,” a budding artist Maggie Kudambo, said.
Tiwa Savage also received a portrait of her painting from visual artist Tingo Art.
