The True Story Behind Tiwa Savage’s Bold Move That Secured Her Mavin Records Deal and Cemented Her Legacy [VIDEO]

 

The True Story Behind How Tiwa Savage Overcame Rejection to Become Mavin Records’ First Lady

Tiwa Savage’s journey to stardom did not begin with a red carpet. It was shaped by resilience, bold decisions and a determination that defied early rejection. Recently, the Afrobeats queen opened up in a candid interview with Afrobeats Intelligence, revealing how she fearlessly approached music mogul Don Jazzy to request a spot on his newly founded label, Mavin Records, even after being turned down during the earlier Mo’Hits era.

Savage did not hesitate to recount her bold move. Her words painted a picture of a determined artist who knew her worth and was ready to knock on every door until one finally opened. Speaking with raw honesty, she described the encounter as “shameless” and said she had no regrets about asking Don Jazzy to reconsider her for the Mavin roster.

When Mavin Records was launched, Savage saw an opportunity to reintroduce herself. She said to Don Jazzy, “Can you sign me now? Because you didn’t sign me in Mo’Hits before.” That question, straightforward yet loaded with history, was the beginning of a turning point in her career. Jazzy’s response? A simple yes, no resistance, no hesitation. Just acceptance.

Her persistence wasn’t born out of entitlement but from a place of self-belief. She admitted to asking again even after the first rejection, joking about how she had no shame in her quest. “Yes. Wow. Oh my God. I don’t have shame,” she recalled with a laugh, adding, “Yeah, I did. And I went to Jazzy and I asked him again.”

That decision to push again after being previously overlooked did more than just earn her a place on the label. It shaped her relationship with Mavin Records and solidified her status as one of the most influential women in African music. For Tiwa, Mavin wasn’t just a business relationship; it became a second home.

She spoke fondly of the environment at Mavin, describing moments of support that went beyond music. “Like Mavin still is like family,” she said. “So if there’s something that’s going on, like online or whatever, I promise you, I would run to Jazzy’s room and we would all come. Like Sid, Tega, Reekado, all of us in his room, on the floor, on the bed.”

That safe space gave her the emotional foundation she needed while navigating the demanding music industry. “We’ll talk about it. If I have to cry and whatever. And we’ll get through it,” she added.

The emotional warmth she experienced at Mavin stood in sharp contrast to her experience with other labels, especially when reflecting on the more corporate dynamics at Empire, her current label. “Being with a label, they don’t really care about your personal stuff,” she said, highlighting the shift in energy she felt after leaving Mavin.

Tiwa didn’t hold back in describing what she misses about her Mavin years. “So I can’t really go to the Empire office and be like, oh my God. Like, I miss that part of it.” Her words underscored a deeper truth about the music industry: success is often defined not just by talent or marketing, but by the emotional bonds formed along the way.

Her time at Mavin wasn’t just about building her music catalog; it was about growing as an artist and learning the inner workings of the music business. She acknowledged that her appreciation for Mavin’s environment only grew after she left. “Who you sign to is very important. Like, I didn’t appreciate it until after I left,” she said.

This story serves as a reminder that behind the glitter of success lies a complex journey filled with vulnerability, ambition and unshakable self-belief. Tiwa Savage’s rise wasn’t handed to her; it was earned by asking difficult questions, even at the risk of embarrassment, and by stepping forward when it would have been easier to step back.

Her story challenges artists, especially women, to stand firm in their pursuit, even when the path seems closed. And perhaps most powerfully, it highlights how one bold question can change everything.

VIDEO: I boldly asked Don Jazzy to sign me into Mavin - Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage has revealed that she boldly approached music producer Don Jazzy to sign her to Mavin Records after its launch, despite having been previously turned down during the Mo’Hits era.

In a recent… pic.twitter.com/0jRfcOrQMp

— The Nation Nigeria (@TheNationNews) June 22, 2025