What makes Once Upon a Time by Tiwa Savage notable?

'Once Upon a Time' received critical acclaim and commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard World Albums Chart. The album's fusion of traditional African sounds with modern pop has influenced a generation of artists and helped elevate the global profile of Nigerian music. Released on July 3, 2013, 'Once Upon a Time' is Tiwa Savage's debut studio album, marking her transition from a background vocalist in the U.S. to a prominent artist in Nigeria's music scene. This album positioned her as a leading figure in the Afrobeats genre, showcasing her versatility and vocal prowess.

Who is Once Upon a Time for?

Once Upon a Time works well if you're into dynamic journey with interludes, vibrant storytelling through sound and wave-like pacing and flow.

How many songs are on Once Upon a Time?

Once Upon a Time has 21 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

Once Upon a Time

Tiwa Savage · 2013

78 min · 21 tracks · pop music

Afrofusion beats intertwine with soulful melodies, capturing the essence of contemporary Nigerian pop music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Eminado — This track features infectious rhythms and a catchy chorus, embodying the vibrant energy that defines Tiwa Savage's style while celebrating love and positivity.
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Kele Kele — As one of her breakout singles, Kele Kele showcases Tiwa's unique blend of R&B and Afrobeats, establishing her as a powerful voice in the genre.
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Wanted — With its smooth production and heartfelt lyrics, 'Wanted' highlights Tiwa Savage's vocal range and emotional depth, making it a standout ballad on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional African sounds with contemporary pop, showcasing strong writing and production.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, common in African music, which engage the listener and create a communal feel.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album's journey.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with interludes
vibrant storytelling through sound
wave-like pacing and flow
uplifting anthems for celebration
intimate moments of reflection

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek rigid song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on July 3, 2013, 'Once Upon a Time' is Tiwa Savage's debut studio album, marking her transition from a background vocalist in the U.S. to a prominent artist in Nigeria's music scene. This album positioned her as a leading figure in the Afrobeats genre, showcasing her versatility and vocal prowess.
Stylistic neighbors: Yemi Alade· Waje· Simi