By Tiwa Savage, the renowned Nigerian Afrobeats singer, has embarked on a new creative journey with her debut film, “Water & Garri,” which premiered on Prime Video on May 10. The multifaceted artist, who has long harbored a passion for acting, transformed her dreams into reality with this project, which she also executive produced.
In a recent interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo in Lagos, Savage revealed that acting was her first love before music. “Water & Garri,” a collaboration between Everything Savage, Unbound Studios, and JM Films, was born from Savage’s idea to create a visual album for her 2021 EP of the same name. Initially intended as a short film, the project grew and took on its own identity under the direction of Meji Alabi, Savage’s long-time music video director.
Set in a fictional town on the Cape Coast of Ghana, the film follows Aisha (played by Savage), a determined fashion designer who returns to her hometown after a decade in the US due to a family tragedy.
Upon her return, Aisha finds her once familiar surroundings altered by escalating violence and heightened tensions. As she reconnects with her family, old friends, and a former flame, Aisha must confront her past and face the guilt of what she left behind – an experience Savage says drew parallels to her own life.
To prepare for the role of Aisha, Savage underwent two weeks of intensive training in London to break out of her shell and embody a different character. The experience allowed her to shed her superstar persona and explore new facets of her talent.
As the production of the film progressed, Savage decided to create an original soundtrack for the movie instead of using the songs from her EP.
The 10-song soundtrack provided a platform for Savage to push her vocal boundaries and delve into new musical genres, including collaborations with French Nigerian singer Asa, American gospel artist Zacardi Cortez, and Richard Bona & The Cavemen.
Savage admits that she has always loved Jazz, R&B, and gospel music but felt boxed into a certain sound due to her success in Afrobeats. Creating the soundtrack allowed her to explore different genres and showcase her growth as an artist. She now feels encouraged to be limitless in her creativity and not limit herself to the sound people know her for.
“Water & Garri” marks a significant milestone in Tiwa Savage’s career, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to excel in both acting and music. With this project, Savage has not only fulfilled her long-held dream of pursuing an acting career but has also emerged with a new sound that demonstrates her growth and willingness to push creative boundaries.
As Savage continues to explore new avenues for her talent, fans can expect to see more of her limitless creativity and vocal prowess in future projects, both on screen and in the recording studio.
Credit: CNN
