Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, Tiwa Savage has released her debut film ‘Water and Garri” today, May 10 on Amazon Prime Video.
The singer also released a soundtrack album for her feature film on the same day through EMPIRE.
Tiwa’s soundtrack album includes ten original songs some of which she featured artistes including Grammy nominated stars Olamide and Ayra Starr.
Other artistes on the soundtrack album are; Nigerian singer and songwriter ASA, Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist, and singer Richard Bona, gospel artist Zacardi Cortez as well as newer talent Black Sherif, Young Jonn, Mystro Sugar and The Cavemen.
“The project includes an array of sonic elements from Afrobeat and Afropop to amapiano to R&B, gospel, and hints of mainstream trap and pop.”
“People expect a certain sound from me, but in doing a soundtrack, I could experiment. African culture, I either put it in my fashion or put it in my music, always. It’s because it’s beautiful to be African,” says Tiwa Savage.
The Water & Garri film marks a pivotal chapter in Tiwa’s artistic journey as she embarks in the world of film taking on her first lead role in a feature movie as well as its Executive Producer.
Both the film and soundtrack fold together to reveal poignant cultural shifts and internal thoughts as Savage plays the lead role of Aisha, an ambitious fashion designer who returns to her native home ‘Eastside’ after 10 years away living in the United States.
At home, Aisha finds that things have drastically changed, violence has escalated, and tensions are high. As she reconnects with family, old friends, and her past love, she must learn to live with her scars and confront the guilt she left behind.
Filmed in the city of Cape Coast, Ghana, the picture is directed by Meji Alabi and entails gripping cinematography and storytelling. The drama also stars Mike Afolarin (Far From Home), Andrew Bunting (Dynamite), and Jemima Osunde (New Money).
In July 2023 Tiwa celebrated the 10th anniversary of her ground-breaking debut album ‘Once Upon A Time’.
The album not only marked the beginning of her successful career, but also showcased her exceptional talent, paving the way for her ascend to becoming one of Africa’s most influential music artists.
This followed with the subsequent releases of R.E.D (2015), Sugarcane. E.P (2017), Celia (2020) and Water & Garri EP (2021) racking up over a billion streams across all platforms.
Tracklist of the ‘Water&Garri’ soundtrack album
EASTSIDE INTRO
LOST TIME – Tiwa Savage
COMMONA – Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Mystro Sugar
REASON – Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks
LOVE O – Tiwa Savage
EMOTIONS – Tiwa Savage, Asa
I NEED YOU – Tiwa Savage, Zacardi Cortez
GARA – Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr
KILIMANJARO – Tiwa Savage, Black Sherif, Young Jonn
WATER & GARRI – Tiwa Savage, Richard Bona, The Cavemen.
