Afrobeat sensation Tiwa Savage steps into the world of acting with her debut role in Playing the character Aisha in this Prime Video production, Savage, known for collaborations with artists like Sam Smith, Chris Martin of Coldplay, and Nas, dives into a narrative of love and betrayal.

“It’s a story about love and betrayal,” Savage explains. “She left her neighbourhood to pursue her dreams as a fashion designer, and obviously when she returned home, so many things had changed. And that’s where the drama begins.”

Savage not only stars in the film but also serves as its executive producer, as well as the writer and producer of its soundtrack. Initially conceived as a visual project to complement music Savage had composed two years earlier, the movie took on a life of its own during filming.

“Then when we started filming, I didn’t like any of the music that I had done already because I feel like the music lives in the moment in time, and this is like two years later,” she shares. “So, I said scrap everything, I’m going to go away for like a week and I’m going to do a whole new soundtrack. And that’s what I did because now I was more into the movie, and I felt like I could make something stronger as a soundtrack.”

“I spent anywhere from one to 10 days in Malibu, and everyone thought I was crazy, but I returned with 11 songs,” she says with a smile. While Savage admits she and debut director Meji Alabi were “winging it” when they began the project, she’s pleased with the outcome. “It turned out well – really well,” she affirms. “And I believe because it was a first for both of us, we were really supportive and helpful to each other.”

“Water and Garri” is part of Prime Video’s initiative to showcase authentic African series and films to a broader audience. “Being picked up by such a platform is incredible. It’s my first. It just makes me feel like I can do anything,” Savage expresses. The film premiered on Prime Video on May 10th.