Tiwa Savage unpacks new single 49-99 and drops off the corresponding visual for the cinematic-esque ode to Afrobeat finesse.
“The song encourages the young to put down the sense of inheritance and work for what they desire in life, for a better tomorrow. We can’t sit on our old glories and expect things to change for the better. ‘49-99’ also addresses some political leaders who, instead of focusing on the growth of a nation, are there just for the money and having affairs with underage girls – while the citizenry is hustling hard to make a daily living.” – Tiwa Savage
The Nigerian-born songstress latest offering serves as the first record released since acquiring her international deal with Universal Music Group, in alignment with Motown Records, serving as Savage’s partnered US label.
Spearheading the role as one of Africa’s most coveted talents, Savage has been at the forefront of creating music that transcends the depth of interpretation with regard to the lyrically gifted.
49-99 finds Savage parading through a montage of inventive depictions of grandeur that pervade the understanding of women in power.
This poetic, yet suggestive production, directed by Meji Alabi, is encompassed with redolent imagery that whets the humanistic desire for visual refinement. Whether it’s Savage’s referenced “what’s a nation with no army” or her enthralling prancing atop dining room centerpieces, this refreshing take on artistic expression is surely welcomed and warranted.
After recording Keys to the Kingdom, a song that Savage co-wrote for the soundtrack The Lion King: The Gift after being hand-picked to do so by Beyoncé, she also took home the award for Best African Act at the MTV European Music Awards, making history as the first female to win the award.
Savage’s irrefutable desire to thrive holistically typify’s the perseverance required to excel as the widely regarded Queen of Afrobeats.
While 49-99 is an intrepid decree about modern day poverty, Savage also provides further context surrounding the song title:
“‘49-99’ is a term coined from the hard life many Nigerians go through. A transit bus serves as a case study. It ought to have only 49 seated passengers, however due to poor economic conditions, we often have nearly twice that number of passengers standing (99).”
Throughout her career, Savage has defiantly been proactive in her philanthropic endeavors in support of youth engagement organizations that highlight issues affecting young girls in Africa.
Serving as a voice of reason for the unheard and a source of inspiration for generations to come will only contribute to Savage’s impending success as an international panjandrum.
