Tiwa Savage is celebrating a major career milestone – the 12th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut album “Once Upon a Time”.
The project, released July 5, 2013, didn’t just launch her solo career; it helped redefine Afrobeats for the global stage.
The 13-track album introduced Savage’s signature blend of R&B and African rhythms, spawning hits like “Kele Kele Love” and “Without My Heart”. These songs became instant classics, dominating airwaves across Africa and beyond.
“Creating this album was my leap of faith,” Savage reflected.
Industry experts credit the album with paving the way for today’s Afrobeats explosion. “Tiwa proved African female artists could dominate commercially while staying authentic,” said music critic Joey Akan.
The anniversary has sparked nostalgia among fans. Many are recreating the album’s iconic cover art – Savage in a flowing white dress – as part of a viral challenge.
To celebrate, Savage announced a special vinyl re-release with bonus tracks. She also teased an upcoming documentary about the album’s making and cultural impact.
Its influence echoes in today’s hits, proving Savage’s debut wasn’t just timely – it was timeless.
