Nigerian singer and songwriter Tiwa Savage has officially released her highly anticipated EP, Water & Garri. The project, which dropped today, has already garnered significant attention within the African music industry and globally. Water & Garri marks Tiwa Savage’s second extended play, following her critically acclaimed album Celia released in 2020.
The EP consists of five tracks, blending Afrobeat, R&B, and soul influences, and features high-profile collaborations with both African and international artists. Notable names on the project include American singer Brandy, Ghanaian artist Amaarae, and Nigerian music producer and artist Tay Iwar. These collaborations highlight Tiwa Savage’s efforts to create a global sound while maintaining her Nigerian roots.
Tiwa Savage has described Water & Garri as a project close to her heart, drawing on personal experiences and emotions. The title itself reflects a cultural reference: “water and garri” is a popular Nigerian food staple, symbolizing simplicity and sustenance. In this context, the EP aims to balance emotional depth with mainstream appeal, with Tiwa stating that it represents “a mix of the new and the nostalgic.”
The release of Water & Garri follows weeks of anticipation from fans and music lovers alike, with Tiwa teasing snippets of the EP across her social media platforms. The first track to receive notable attention is “Somebody’s Son,” featuring Brandy, which combines soulful melodies with introspective lyrics, and is expected to be a standout on the project.
Music critics have also begun to weigh in, praising Tiwa Savage’s ability to navigate between genres and her choice of collaborations, which broaden her appeal to a global audience. With the EP available on all major streaming platforms, Water & Garri is projected to perform well commercially and further establish Tiwa Savage as one of the most influential artists in African music today.
In addition to the release, Tiwa Savage is expected to embark on promotional tours and virtual performances to promote Water & Garri, given ongoing restrictions due to the global pandemic. As of today, fans across Nigeria and beyond have already begun reacting to the release on social media, sharing their excitement and favorite tracks from the EP.