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I used to be stopped from performing because of my outfit – Tiwa Savage recalls
During an interview with BET Talks, Tiwa Savage, who recently starred in and executive produced her debut feature film *Water & Garri*, opened up about her journey from music to movie making. She shared some of the discrimination she faced early in her music career due to her sensual dress and style.
Speaking with host Unique Chapman, Tiwa Savage recounted the heavy criticism she faced in the Nigerian music industry for her risqué outfits and sensual music. She mentioned that her songs were often banned on terrestrial stations, and she was sometimes prevented from performing because of her provocative attire. This discrimination extended to being overlooked and denied the opportunity to do soundchecks, a challenge many female artists have also encountered.
“They get overlooked and they can’t do soundchecks,” Tiwa Savage said, highlighting some of the discriminatory practices. “Initially, when I first moved back, I would turn up for a show and they would say I couldn’t perform because of my outfit,” she added.
Despite these challenges, Tiwa Savage managed to navigate the situation and emerge as a music superstar. She explained that she decided to double down on her style and embrace her profile as a sex symbol.
“I am very stubborn. So I was like my dress is just going to get shorter and my shirt is going to get more revealing,” she told BET Talks.
Tiwa Savage also highlighted that while she received a lot of criticism for her fashion choices, she simultaneously gained admiration and support from female fans. This growing supporter base eventually made it impossible for show promoters and the media to ignore her.