I Used to Run to Don Jazzy’s Room to Cry During Hard Times – Tiwa Savage

Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has opened up about the importance of emotional support within record labels, revealing that she often turned to Don Jazzy during difficult moments in her career.

Speaking during a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast hosted by Joey Akan, the singer said she only fully appreciated the supportive environment at Mavin Records after leaving the label.

According to Tiwa Savage, she frequently relied on Don Jazzy and her fellow label mates for emotional support whenever she faced controversies online.

“Who you signed to is very important and I didn’t appreciate it until after I left Mavin,” she said.

The singer explained that during her time at Mavin, she could openly express her emotions around the people at the label, including crying when overwhelmed by challenges.

“Whenever there’s a controversy online, I’d run to Don Jazzy’s room, sit on the floor or bed with other Mavin acts and we would talk about it. I would cry if I had to cry and we would get through it,” she recalled.

Tiwa Savage contrasted that experience with her current situation under an international label, saying foreign record companies are often more business-focused and less involved in artists’ personal wellbeing.

“But 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,” she added.

The singer also advised upcoming artistes to pay attention to the kind of relationship a record label offers beyond financial opportunities, stressing that some labels may view artistes mainly as profit-making ventures.

Tiwa Savage joined Mavin Records in 2012 before leaving in 2019 to sign with Universal Music Group. Despite her exit, she has repeatedly described Mavin as family.