Album Review: Tiwa Savage’s Celia Album
I have listened to Tiwa Savage’s “Celia The Album” which was released at midnight on the 28th of August non-stop for 24 hours. Check my social media! You’ll see!
There’s a reason why Tiwa Savage dubbed the “Queen of African Music” whether you agree or not you’ll be hard-pressed to argue that she came with straight fire with the album “Celia” named after her mum.
This body of work was worth the wait for me. I believe that Tiwa was intent on sharing the message of growth with this album, right from the colour of the album cover to the fact that it’s designed like a Ludo game, which signifies moving forward.
The last time Tiwa Savage released an album was in 2016, (Sugarcane was an EP) back then we were still getting to know her, the Tiwa we know now has grown and morphed into the Queen of our hearts; as evidenced by her international prominence and social media’s reaction to every song she releases.
Apart from the collaborations with heavy hitters such as Sam Smith, Stefflon Don, Dice Ailes and our very own Naira Marley and Davido; Every single song on the album tells a story. Let me give you a quick breakdown:-
She starts with the Afro-house vibe “Save My Life” which straightaway indicates the direction she’s going in. And then Ole featuring Naira Marley (a favourite) alludes to the relationship Nigerians have with corruption.
“Us – Interlude” (another favourite) strongly hints about her very public break up from her ex-husband Tunji Balogun and how she’s accepted and grown from it.
FWMM is a savage empowering song; it’s one of those songs that give you the energy to face your haters. Imagine me in the car singing at the top of my lungs to the invisible man she was talking about – because that definitely what I was doing on my way home last night.
Then she gives us distinctly house vibes that will really have you cutting shapes with “Glory.”
As I’ve noticed is customary in every album, it ends with Celia’s Song, a track dedicated to God. And I really have to shout out Moelogo who wrote this song and who’s vocals you can hear in the backing.
“Celia” The Album shows a side to Tiwa Savage that we haven’t seen from her previous albums, her ability to play with different sounds (Afropop, Afro-house, Afro-basement?) and musical genres shows her versatility and progression as an artist.
My only criticism would be that as a body of work, all the songs don’t feel consistent, and whilst I acknowledge that we’re all multifaceted human beings with varying interests. This still throws me for a loop. On the one hand, it’s very “woke” with socio-political songs like Koroba, Ole and even Celia’s song. But on the other hand, still panders to the male gaze, and is heavy on the sexual innuendos, makes you question what direction she’s heading in with her brand.
That said, I still like the album, and there’s something for everyone. I know I’ve said more than one of the songs on her album is my favourite one, and that’s true because it’s genuinely hard to pick just one piece that I like and that’s why I’ve been listening to the album on repeat!
The Celia released 28th August 2020
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