The University of Kent in the United Kingdom has listed Nigeria’s singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage as one of the 10 ‘inspirational individuals’ to be awarded a honorary doctorate degree at its congregation ceremonies in July.
An alumna of the university, Tiwa Savage will be awarded Doctor of Music in Canterbury, on July 15, 2022, ‘in recognition of her inspirational and international career in music’.
Famous for her hit singles “Mr Lova Lova” ft Duncan Mighty, “Diet”, and “Tiwa’s Vibe” – to mention a few, she became the first African to sell out London’s O2 Arena.
She has also performed with George Michael, Mary J Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Emma Burton and Blu Cantrell. Coldplay’s Chris Martin handpicked her to perform alongside Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, and Jay Z live at the Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg to over 70,0000 fans and millions worldwide.
Among those to receive a Kent honorary award will also be Lagos-born Olufunke Abimbola MBE, a corporate lawyer, Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Leader, BBC Commentator and Public Speaker.
Olufunke Abimbola will be made Doctor of Laws on July 14 in Canterbury for her career as a senior solicitor and her notable, voluntary work as a mentor and campaigner.
Funke was awarded an MBE in the Queen of England’s 2017 birthday honours list to recognise her services to diversity and inclusion for over a decade.
She is joined by Tanzanian-born 2021 Nobel Laureate for Literature winner and Kent Emeritus Professor, Abdulrazak Gurnah, for his contributions to Literature, specifically his extensive exploration of post-colonial themes.
Kent will also award other prominent individuals, including Susan Wanless, Dr Howard Leicester, Professor Kevin Hylton, Mark Lane, Mark Thomas, Dame Stephanie Shirley and Kent alumnus Kush Kanodia.
Tiwa and her peers’ win is big for Nigeria and Africa. It portrays Africa positively and firmly positions it as a force to reckon with both in music and nation-building.
Tiwa’s honorary award adds to a host of nominations, including four Channel O Music Video Awards nominations, five World Music Award nominations, two Headies nominations, MTV Africa Music, BET and MOBO Award nominations.