Renowned Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has made her mark in the film industry with her debut movie “Water & Garri,” which premiered on Prime Video on May 10, 2024. At 44, the Nigerian singer-songwriter, celebrated for her contributions to the music scene, is now exploring new horizons as both an actor and a producer.
The film, which Savage executive produced alongside her long-time music video director Meji Alabi, began as a visual album project for her 2021 EP of the same name. However, it evolved into a full-length feature film, set in a fictional town on Ghana’s Cape Coast. The storyline follows Aisha, played by Savage, a fashion designer who returns to her hometown after a decade in the U.S. following a family tragedy. She finds her community changed by violence and tension, leading her to confront her past and the guilt of leaving it behind.
“Water & Garri” is a collaborative effort involving Everything Savage, Unbound Studios, and JM Films. The screenplay, written by Comfort Emmanuel, resonates deeply with themes of love, pain, and personal growth. “It’s like love to pain, and that resonates a lot in the movie,” Savage explained, highlighting the universal message of the film.
Savage’s transition from music to film was both challenging and exhilarating. She spent two weeks in intensive training in London to prepare for her role, aiming to shed her superstar persona and fully embody Aisha. “It was just to break me out of my shell, to break me out of Tiwa Savage and just empty me out,” she said.
The film’s premiere was a star-studded event in New York City, attended by figures from various media industries. It included a Q&A session where Savage, Alabi, and other key team members discussed the creative process behind the movie. The Lagos premiere, scheduled for the same day as the film’s release, further underscored the project’s deep ties to West African culture and history.
As for the music, Savage opted to create an entirely new soundtrack for the film, moving away from the original EP’s songs. This decision was driven by her desire to craft a score that reflected the film’s evolved identity. “I went to Malibu for about nine to ten days, and everyone thought I was crazy and came back with 11 songs,” Savage shared, demonstrating her dedication to excellence in both music and film.
“Water & Garri” also features strong performances from co-stars such as Andrew Yaw Bunting, whose chemistry with Savage added depth to the film, and Nigerian actors Mike Afolarin and Jemima Osunde. The film’s release on Prime Video is part of the platform’s initiative to showcase authentic African stories to a global audience, and it stands as a testament to Savage’s multifaceted talent and determination to inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
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