Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has released her latest single, “You4Me”, marking a deliberate return to her R&B roots and setting the tone for her forthcoming fourth studio album, This One Is Personal, scheduled for release this summer. Produced by long-time collaborator Mystro, the track samples Tamia’s 1998 hit “So Into You,” mixing nostalgic ’90s R&B elements with contemporary Afrobeats-inflected production.
Lyrically, “You4Me” explores the exhilarating sensation of falling deeply in love, with Savage delivering heartfelt lines such as “I’m down to do what you really want to / Champagne with a little fun” and “Nobody do me as good as you.” Her vocal style on the track channels the velvet tones of Brandy and the emotional candour of Mary J. Blige, two artists she has cited as major influences and collaborators earlier in her career.
The single follows her October 2024 release “Forgiveness,” co-written with Muni Long and Theron Thomas, and together they indicate a clear artistic direction for This One Is Personal. The album promises a deeply introspective and personal narrative, as hinted by Savage’s recent spoken word teaser reflecting on resilience and growth through adversity. This evolution aligns with Tiwa Savage’s established reputation for mixing Afrobeats with soulful, genre-crossing sounds. Versatility that has helped her maintain relevance and influence over more than a decade in the music industry.
Tiwa Savage’s career journey was full of multiple musical and cultural landscapes. Born in Lagos and raised in the UK, she studied at Berklee College of Music and began as a sought-after backup vocalist for artists like Mary J. Blige and George Michael before launching her solo career. Her educational background in business and music has informed her strategic approach to her career.
“You4Me” also fits within a broader context of Afrobeat’s global rise, where artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage herself have expanded the genre’s reach beyond Africa, incorporating diverse influences while maintaining its core identity. By leaning into R&B, Savage taps into a rich tradition that resonates with international audiences and complements her Afrobeat foundation.
While “You4Me” may not radically reinvent the sound of contemporary R&B or Afrobeats, it demonstrates Tiwa Savage’s continued commitment to crafting emotionally resonant music. The song’s use of a well-known sample, combined with her nuanced vocal delivery and polished production, positions it as a thoughtful addition to her discography. It also signals an artist comfortable with her legacy and eager to explore new facets of her musical identity as she prepares to share a project described as her most personal.
