The Afrobeat Queens: Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and Tems

The Afrobeat Queens: Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and Tems

Afrobeats isn’t only led by men—three powerhouse women have carved their own spaces in the genre: Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and Tems. From Lagos to London to Los Angeles, these queens are pushing Afrobeat into new territories, dominating charts, and redefining what it means to be a global African superstar.

1. Tiwa Savage – The Veteran Queen

Tiwa Savage is often called the “Queen of Afrobeats” for a reason. She’s been in the game for over a decade, consistently delivering hits and shaping the sound of modern Afrobeat.

• Musical Style & Flow: Tiwa blends Afrobeat, R&B, and pop effortlessly. Her lyrics often weave themes of love, empowerment, and celebration.

• Example (from “All Over”):
  “Na because of you I get goosebumps / All over, all over.”

  • Analysis: Simple but emotionally charged, her delivery turns ordinary words into heartfelt music.

• Catalog Strength: From “Kele Kele Love” to collaborations with Wizkid (“Ma Lo”), Tiwa’s catalog is deep and versatile.

• Impact: Tiwa has carried Afrobeats to global stages, earning her crown as the genre’s first lady.

Verdict: Tiwa remains the foundation of Afrobeat queenship, still relevant and respected worldwide.

2. Tems – The Breakout Star

Tems is the new voice of Afrobeats. Her rise has been meteoric, powered by soulful lyrics and a voice that transcends borders.

• Musical Style & Flow: Tems leans on Afro-soul, fusing introspective lyrics with airy, haunting melodies.

• Example (from “Free Mind”):
  “I need to free my mind now / This is the peace that I cannot find.”

  • Analysis: Deeply personal and poetic, Tems brings a storytelling quality that feels spiritual.

• Catalog Strength: Though her catalog is smaller compared to Tiwa or Yemi, her impact is huge. “Essence” with Wizkid made her a global name, and her solo work continues to soar.

• Impact: Tems has taken Afrobeat into Grammy territory, showing the world its soulful, introspective side.

Verdict: Tems is the present and future of Afrobeat female artistry, currently sweeping global charts.

3. Yemi Alade – The Performance Powerhouse

Yemi Alade exploded onto the Afrobeat scene with her energetic performances and cultural flair.

• Musical Style & Flow: Yemi thrives on up-tempo beats, colorful imagery, and African pride. She’s the performer of the trio, often fusing dance and music.

• Example (from “Johnny”):
  “Johnny leave me follow Cynthia / And I don’t know what to do.”

  • Analysis: Playful and humorous, Yemi uses storytelling to create relatable, danceable songs.

• Catalog Strength: She has delivered multiple African anthems, but her catalog hasn’t crossed into America as strongly as Tiwa’s or Tems’.

• Impact: Yemi remains a continental superstar, embodying Afrobeats’ energy and vibrancy.

Verdict: Yemi is the crowd-mover—big in Africa, but her global penetration is smaller compared to Tiwa and Tems.

Final Ranking (Nonillaah’s List)

1. Tems – The Global Voice (currently sweeping charts, Grammy recognition, soulful and poetic).

2. Tiwa Savage – The Veteran Queen (deep catalog, consistent relevance, Afrobeat’s foundation).

3. Yemi Alade – The Performer (vibrant, energetic, African superstar, but less global than the others).

Nonillaah’s Take: Right now, Tems and Tiwa Savage are carrying Afrobeat female artistry into the global spotlight, while Yemi Alade continues to hold down the continent with energetic hits. Just like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, these women prove Afrobeat is not just a male-dominated lane—it’s a space where queens are thriving too.