I used to run to Don Jazzy’s room to cry during hard times – Tiwa Savage

Nigerian Singer Tiwa Savage Discusses Impact of Record Labels on Artist Mental Health

Nigerian musician Tiwa Savage emphasized the crucial role that record labels play in the mental health and well-being of artists. In a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast hosted by Joey Akan, Savage reflected on her experiences after leaving Mavin Records.

Savage noted that she only began to understand the significance of label support for an artist’s mental health after departing from Mavin. During her time with the label, she frequently sought solace from Mavin’s founder, Don Jazzy, as well as her fellow label mates during personal challenges.

“Who you sign with is very important, and I didn’t appreciate it until after I left Mavin. Whenever there was a controversy online, I would run to Don Jazzy’s room, sit on the floor or bed with other Mavin acts, and we would talk about it,” she said. “I would cry if I needed to, and we would get through it together.”

In contrast, she expressed challenges with her current label, stating that their approach tends to focus less on personal matters. “Being with a [foreign] label, they don’t really care about your personal stuff. So, I can’t really go to the Empire office and cry. I miss that part of it,” she added.

Savage advised artists to carefully assess whether the labels they choose genuinely care about them or merely view them as revenue sources. She signed with Mavin Records in 2012 and transitioned to Universal Music Group in 2019. Despite her departure, Savage maintains that Mavin remains a significant part of her life, referring to it as “family.”

Read Full Article