LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has revealed how leaving Mavin Records changed her emotional support system, saying record labels play a major role in an artist’s mental health.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast hosted by Joey Akan, the singer explained that she realized the importance of a supportive record label after her exit from the company.
“Who you signed to is very important and I didn’t appreciate it until after I left Mavin,” Tiwa said.
The “Toma Toma” hitmaker explained that the environment at Mavin helped her deal with emotional pressure, online criticism and personal struggles.
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According to Tiwa Savage, she often turned to music executive Don Jazzy whenever she faced controversies on social media during her time at the label.
“Whenever there’s a controversy online I’d run to Don Jazzy’s room, sit on the floor or bed with other Mavin acts and we would talk about it. I would cry if I had to cry and we would get through it,” she revealed, highlighting the label’s intentional support for her wellbeing and personal growth.
The award-winning singer noted that things became different after she left Mavins for a foreign-owned label.
She stated that she no longer enjoys the same emotional connection or support system she once had because her new crew “dont really care.”
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“But being with a foreign label, they don’t really care about your personal stuff. So, I can’t really go to the Empire office and cry. I miss that part it,” she added.
Tiwa advised upcoming artists to pay attention to the kind of label they sign with, stressing that emotional care matters just as much as financial success in the music industry.
She maintained that some record companies focus only on profit, while others genuinely care about the wellbeing of their artists beyond the business side of music.
Tiwa Savage joined Mavin Records in 2012 before leaving the label in 2019 to sign with Universal Music Group.
Despite her departure, the singer has repeatedly described Mavin as “family,” showing that her bond with the label remains strong years later.
