Tiwa Savage, a longtime aspiring actor, is set to make her leading role debut in “Water and Garri,” a Prime Video film co-produced by Everything Savage, Unbound Studios, and JM Films, scheduled to start streaming in 2024.
Directed and edited by Meji Alabi, the Afrobeats creative prodigy known for collaborations with major artists like Burna Boy and Mr Eazi, “Water and Garri” depicts Aisha (played by Savage), an ambitious fashion designer returning home after a decade in the US elite fashion industry. Aisha grapples with the profound changes in her home caused by time and circumstances. Despite her previous cameos in notable projects like MTV Shuga Naija, this marks Tiwa Savage’s inaugural lead role in a film. The movie’s synopsis reveals Aisha’s journey as she reconnects with family, and old friends, and confronts the lingering guilt from her past.
Meji Alabi, the Afrobeats creative sensation renowned for collaborations with stars like Burna Boy and Mr Eazi, directs and edits “Water and Garri.” This film centers around Aisha (played by Savage), an ambitious fashion designer who returns to her roots after a decade in the elite US fashion industry. The homecoming unveils a stark transformation in her once-familiar surroundings shaped by the relentless march of time and unforeseen circumstances.
While Tiwa Savage has dabbled in acting with notable cameos, this marks her premiere as a lead, following her longstanding desire to venture into the craft. The narrative unfolds as Aisha reconnects with family, old friends, and a past love, navigating a journey that demands she comes to terms with her scars and confronts the lingering guilt from her past. The movie promises an exploration of Aisha’s emotional landscape as she grapples with the profound changes in both her surroundings and personal history.
Derived from her 2021 EP with the same title, “Water and Garri” sees Tiwa Savage stepping into the role of executive producer alongside Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna, Jimi Adesanya, and Alabi. Reflecting on the journey from conceptualization to global launch on Prime Video, Savage expressed the fulfillment of a dream and the excitement to reveal a vulnerable aspect of herself to fans and new audiences. Meji Alabi, credited for bringing the narrative to life, is joined by Savage as an executive producer.
Captured predominantly in Cape Coast, Ghana, the film features an ensemble cast including Mike Afolarin (“Far From Home”), Andrew Bunting (“Dynamite”), and Jemima Osunde (“New Money”), presenting a unique cinematic experience. Savage’s foray into film production promises to showcase a different facet of her artistic expression, eagerly anticipated for global sharing.
Ayanna Lonian, Director of Content Acquisition at Prime Video, praised “Water and Garri” for providing a well-crafted, contemporary African narrative that resonates globally. Meji Alabi, the film director, and Tiwa Savage, in her lead role, are acknowledged for their outstanding debut, supported by an exceptionally talented cast and crew. Lonian emphasized the cultural significance of this cinematic achievement, recognizing the intersection of film and music, particularly from Africa, during this exciting period.
Jimi Adesanya, the producer, and Unbound Studios executive, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Prime Video, highlighting the platform’s understanding of the cultural milestone represented by “Water and Garri.”
The movie, penned by Comfort Emmanuel, features music by Tiwa Savage, further enriching the cinematic experience with a blend of compelling storytelling and musical artistry.