A dive into a different side of Afrobeats experimentation, ‘Water and Garri’ is a daring and welcome reentry from Tiwa Savage. Whereas on ‘Celia’, the sound engineering and production on Tiwa’s last major project took the lead. Tiwa’s songwriting and storytelling take center stage here, conveying her personal journey of religion, sensuality, and growth over a 5-track EP. It’s also ‘Celia’s sequel.
Getting right into the tracks, ‘Work Fada’ begins the tape’s experiments by layering different African music and cultural elements over each other. From the Yoruba chants to the prevalent surface use of pidgin through the record, Work Fada is a track to work hard and play hard too. Unlikely yet suitable features from Rich King and Nas add a sharper edge to this motivational anthem.
Another standout record here is ‘Tales By Moonlight’ with Ghana’s Amaarae, an alte fusion of sensuality perfect for cooling down in the dancery. The deadly duo delivers their disdain for time wasters over a sublime production. It sounds like an anthem for quitting toxicity and we love to see it. Track 4, ‘Somebody’s Son’ is a traditional afrobeat love song featuring the iconic Brandy. Flowing together seamlessly in Yoruba and English over the prospect of a blossoming romance. On the final track, the project is rejuvenated by Tiwa and Tay Iwar on ‘Special Kinda‘ with a truly notable end to the song and project. It’s best experienced when caught by surprise.
Overall, the EP is a feel of Tiwa flexing her wings by venturing into other sounds while keeping true to her Afrobeats beginnings. The quick and subtle nods to her personal life. She is a well-rounded artist and the new maturity surrounding this project excites and leaves us looking forward to her next project. The features almost never feel out of place with standout artists like Rich King and Amaarae, show just how well Tiwa can balance different genres and share her space with others comfortably.
Flowing with the confidence and glow of a newly re-centered woman, Tiwa on Water and Garri seamlessly reminds us of why she is a household name within the industry whilst showing off a dynamic edge that adapts and translates new rising genres within her own style.
Listen ‘Just Vibes’ on Spotify
