Remember those epic Beyoncé visuals for Black Is King? Well, Nigeria’s Afrobeats queen, Tiwa Savage, is about to drop her own visual masterpiece with her debut film, Water and Garri. Scheduled for release on Prime Video on May 10, 2024, the project holds a special significance for Savage, extending beyond the typical soundtrack pairing with a film.
Water and Garri isn’t your typical story. It follows a young Nigerian woman named Aisha, played by Tiwa Savage herself, as she hustles to make her dreams a reality and deals with the real-life stuff that gets in the way. It is expected to be a well-balanced blend of drama, self-discovery, and potentially, a touch of humor. Savage’s undeniable charisma undoubtedly elevates the film, making it an even more compelling watch.
This film isn’t just Tiwa stepping into the spotlight as an actress (though that’s a pretty big deal in itself). This project started as a visual companion to her 2021 EP of the same name. But then, as these things often do, it took on a life of its own, morphing into a full-fledged feature film.
The concept of the movie aimed to translate the themes and emotions in the music into a visual format, giving a deeper understanding of Tiwa’s artistic message. However, during the creative process, the project organically evolved. Initially, Savage planned to use her 2021 EP as the soundtrack, but she scrapped the whole thing. Apparently, the songs just didn’t vibe with the scenes. Instead, she went rogue and created a whole new collection of amazing songs in just one week. She had to ensure that the music seamlessly integrated with the film’s storyline.
Tiwa Savage isn’t afraid to step outside her comfort zone, musically speaking, so this isn’t going to be your typical Afrobeats party playlist. Savage whipped up a genre-bending assortment of songs – think soulful duets with the iconic Asa, The Cavemen, a sprinkle of jazz with acclaimed Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona, and maybe even a surprise collab you wouldn’t see coming.
This isn’t the first time she’s dabbled in different sounds, and the Water and Garri soundtrack is just another example of her artistic expression. It’s quite obvious that Savage is growing artistically, and that she’s discovering new avenues for creative expression. Basically, get ready for a whole new side of Tiwa!
While Savage might be a seasoned performer, this is her first major film role. Stepping into the lead as a “non-actor” in a major film presented a unique challenge for her. Accustomed to captivating audiences on stage, this marks her first significant acting experience outside of drama class in high school, and the pressure of being a newcomer amongst seasoned actors was undeniable.
However, first-time film director Meji Alabi, a frequent collaborator with Savage on her music videos, along with the cast and crew, ensured a warm and encouraging atmosphere that put her at ease. Notably, they even addressed her by her character’s name, Aisha, even outside of filming, to get her in the zone. For Savage, this is a full-circle moment where her love for music and her newfound passion for film collide in a truly unique way.
So, what can you expect from Water and Garri? A fresh film experience from a music powerhouse, plus a genre-hopping soundtrack that’ll have you hitting repeat, repeat, repeat. Mark your calendars for May 10th and get ready to experience a film and soundtrack that will blow your mind! Will you be streaming it on Prime Video?
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