Tiwa Savage commented each song from her debut album ‘Once Upon a Time’ in details, explained their origin and/or her experience while recording them.
1. ‘Once upon a time’ (Produced by Marcus McCauley)
"I picked this Disney-themed intro because it best suited the name of the album."
2. ‘Wanted’ (Written by Tiwa Savage, Tiffany Fred. Produced by Warren ‘Oak’ Felder)
She wrote this song after she read something about her on a popular blog. She also says the song took a while to be completed because her team had to clear the samples from Damien Marley’s ‘Welcome to Jamrock’.
3. ‘Ileke’ (Written by Tiwa Savage, TJ Billz. Produced by Gospel on the beats)
She interpolated the names of popular Nigerian hardworking women in the high-tempo dance tune as a tribute to them E.g: Florence Ita-Giwa Omawumi, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Genevieve Nnaji, Joke Silva and a lot more. She also got Iyanya to do ad libs.
4. ‘Middle Passage’ (Written by Tiwa Savage. Produced by Raydar Ellis)
"This is a dedication to Nigerian men who work so hard but are not really encouraged."
5. ‘Olorun Mi’ (Written by Tiwa Savage. Produced by Sauce Wilson)
"This is a tribute song she wrote for the lost ones…"
6. ‘Why don’t you love me’ (Written by Tiwa Savage. Produced by Don Jazzy, Altims)
She enjoyed working with Don Jazzy in the studio, adding that the chemistry was great!
7. ‘Fela Interlude’ (Written by Tiwa Savage. Produced Sauce Wilson)
She made this one-minute plus acapella as a tribute to the great Fela Kuti.
8. ‘Love me, Love me, Love me’ (Written by Tiwa Savage, Richard King. Produced by Harmony Samuels)
She was looking to do something that would have a bigger impact than her first single ‘Kele kele love’ but also sound a little bit different. She once again hooked up with Harmony Samuels.
9. ‘Eminado’ feat Don Jazzy (Written by Tiwa Savage. Produced by Don Jazzy)
This is her favourite song off the album.
10. ‘Folarin’ (Written by Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal. Produced by Spellz)
She co-wrote the song with Mavin Records label mate Wande Coal and was her first work with323 Entertainment in-house producer Spellz ‘Magik Boi’.
11. ‘Oh yeah feat Don Jazzy’ (Written by Tiwa Savage. Produced by Don Jazzy)
A much better collaboration from Tiwa and Mr Collins! Don Jazzy’s production is super outstanding and his call and response with Tiwa is commendable. A mix of EDM and African rhythmic beats.
12. ‘Shout out’ feat Iceberg Slim, Sarkodie (Written by Tiwa Savage, Iceberg Slim, Sarkodie. Produced by Spellz).
She had fun recording this. She called up Iceberg in the dead of the night; he came through immediately to the studio, wrote his verse and laid it.
13. Written all over your face (Written by Tiwa Savage, Tiffany Fred. Produced by Warren ‘Oak’ Felder)
"The song is a sensual and very explicit track detailing cunnilingus."
14. Get low (Written by Tiwa Savage. Produced by Sauce Wilson)
She wrote this song for all women as a dedication to the special man in their lives.
15. Ife wa gbona feat Leo Wonder (Written by Tiwa Savage, Leo Wonder. Produced by Sossick)
"This song was actually recorded in 2010 despite being released in 2012."
16. Eji ma fia (Written by Tiwa Savage, Trafic. Produced by Spellz)
"Honestly, I can’t remember what she said here, I was already dancing to the song."
17. Baby mo feat Flavour (Written by Tiwa Savage, Flavour. Produced by Del B)
After the duet with Flavour on ‘Oyi’ remix, the highlife singer returns the favour on this highlife themed joint.
18. Stand as one feat General Pype (Written Tiwa Savage, General Pype. Produced by Spellz)
The track should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerians. She also expressed her delight recording with General Pype.
19. Thank you (Written by Tiwa Savage. Produced by Don Jazzy, Altims)
Just as the song title says, she acknowledges her many fans for listening to her music and supporting her career.
In conclusion, Ms Savage dropped one of the best albums of the year. Production-wise, this is by far the best I’ve heard after Bez’s ‘Super Sun’ in 2011. You can obviously tell that Tiwa has tried to balance two major sounds on the LP – Nigerian contemporary music and Western urban sound; she clearly does better with the latter.
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