Once Upon a Time (Tiwa Savage album)

Last updated
Once Upon a Time
Official Cover For Tiwa's Once Upon A Time.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 3, 2013
Recorded2010–2013
Genre
Length77:00
Label
Producer
Tiwa Savage chronology
Solar Plexus
(2012)
Once Upon a Time
(2013)
R.E.D
(2015)
Singles from Once Upon a Time
  1. "Kele Kele Love"
    Released: November 4, 2010
  2. "Love Me (3x)"
    Released: April 30, 2011
  3. "Without My Heart"
    Released: December 5, 2011
  4. "Ife Wa Gbona"
    Released: October 8, 2012
  5. "Folarin"
    Released: December 13, 2012
  6. "Olorun Mi"
    Released: June 3, 2013
  7. "Eminado"
    Released: October 8, 2013

Once Upon a Time is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. It was released on July 3, 2013, by Mavin Records and 323 Entertainment. [1] The album was made available for purchase on iTunes a day before its official release, [2] and features guest appearances from Don Jazzy, Flavour N'abania, Leo Wonder, Iceberg Slim, Sarkodie and General Pype. Its production was handled by Don Jazzy, Warren Oak Felder, Sauce Wilson, Harmony Samuels, GospelOnDeBeatz, Del B, Raydar Ellis and Spellz. Once Upon a Time was supported by seven singles—"Kele Kele Love", "Love Me (3x)", "Without My Heart", "Ife Wa Gbona", "Folarin", "Olorun Mi" and "Eminado". It was nominated for Best Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and for Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2014.

Contents

Background and recording

Once Upon a Time was initially scheduled for release in 2011, but problems with clearance made Savage push back its release date. [3] The album comprises twenty one tracks, including two bonus tracks. [4] Tiwa Savage named the album Once Upon a Time in order to portray the positive stories about her life. She wanted to motivate other upcoming artists by telling them that, once upon a time, she was a little girl in Isale Eko who dreamt of being a star. [3] While speaking to Berklee College of Music's Brenda Pike, she hinted to possibly recording songs with Chuck Harmony, Warren Oak Felder and Sosick. Moreover, she said the album would include records in her native language, Yoruba, and would incorporate musical styles such as pop, R&B and soul. [5]

Once Upon a Time features collaborations with Don Jazzy, Flavour N'abania, Leo Wonder, Iceberg Slim, Sarkodie and General Pype. Its production was handled by Don Jazzy, Warren Oak Felder, Sauce Wilson, Harmony Samuels, GospelOnDeBeatz, Del B, Raydar Ellis and Spellz. [6] On May 26, 2013, Savage revealed the album's cover art and track list during a private album listening party held at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos. [7] Guests in attendance included Banky W, Waje, Tunde Demuren, and Eku Edewor, among others. [7]

Singles and other releases

The album's lead single, "Kele Kele Love", was released on November 4, 2010. The accompanying music video for the song was filmed in Los Angeles by Jerry Chan, Savage and Tee Billz. [8] The album's second single, "Love Me (3x)", was released on April 30, 2011. Its music video was also filmed in Los Angeles by Sesan Ogunro. [9] Savage won Best Vocal Performance (Female) and Best R&B Single for "Love Me (3x)" at The Headies 2012. [10]

The album's third single, "Without My Heart", was released on December 5, 2011. It features vocals by Don Jazzy and peaked at number 37 on Afribiz's Top 100 music chart. [11] [12] The song's music video was directed by Mark Hofmeyr; [13] it was nominated for Best African Act Video at the 2013 4Syte TV Music Video Awards [14] and for Most Gifted Female Video at the 2013 Channel O Music Video Awards. [15] Furthermore, the song earned Savage and Don Jazzy a nomination at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. [16] [17]

The album's fourth single, "Ife Wa Gbona", was released on October 8, 2012. It features vocals by Nigerian singer Leo Wonder and peaked at number 66 on Afribiz's Top 100 music chart. [11] The music video for "Ife Wa Gbona", which was directed by Bolaji Kekere-Ekun, [18] won Best Highlife and was nominated for Best Use of Costumes, Best Indigenous Concept and Video of the Year at the 2013 Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA). [19] The Spellz-produced track "Folarin" was released on December 13, 2012, as the album's fifth single. [20]

The album's sixth single, "Olorun Mi", was released on June 3, 2013. Its music video was directed by George Guise. [21] Savage told Ebuka Obi-Uchendu of Channels TV's Rubbin' Minds that the song pays tribute to the Dana Plane Crash, Goldie Harvey and Justice Esiri. "Eminado" was released as the album's seventh single. In the aforementioned interview with Vanguard newspaper, Savage said she and Don Jazzy came up with the song's idea while rehearsing in the studio. The Clarence Peters-directed music video for "Eminado" was released on November 4, 2013. [22]

Savage dedicated the song "Written All Over Your Face" to her fiance for the role he played in her life. "Written All Over Your Face" was criticized for having lewd and explicit lyrics. [23] The Moe Musa-directed music video for "Wanted" was released on May 27, 2014. [24] The video's release triggered an angry backlash among critics. [25]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
TayoTV8.75/10
Hip Hop World Magazine Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg
Nigerian Entertainment Today Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg
TooXclusive Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg

Once Upon a Time was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Ayomide Tayo of Nigerian Entertainment Today awarded the album 4 stars out of 5, praising Savage's songwriting skills and commending the production team for bringing "depth and range to the album's production." [26] Ronke Adepoju of TayoTV assigned a score of 8.75/10, applauding Savage for "showing her versatility by working with different artistes from different genres" and saying she "managed to pull it off with the minimum help possible." [27] Hip Hop World Magazine granted the album 4 stars out of 5, acknowledging Savage for "producing an album that accommodates her songwriting skill and pop ambitions." [28]

In a less enthusiastic review, Ogaga Sakpaide of TooXclusive gave the album 2.5 stars out of 5, saying, "Despite the involvement of different production heavyweights on the album, the total body of work lacks an actual identity." Sakpaide also said the record is "lacking the organic sound an album should possess." [29] Wilfred Okiche of YNaija extensively stated: "At 21 songs, there are just too many fillers, too much autotune, too much Don Jazzy and an over dependence on the gloss. One has to dig deep to find the real substance. It plays like Ms Savage is just pandering, surrendering to market dictates while throwing a bit of her true self in between." [30]

Accolades

YearAwards ceremonyAward description(s)ResultsRef
2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Album of the YearNominated [31]
The Headies Best R&B/Pop AlbumNominated [32]

Track listing

Once Upon a Time– Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Once Upon a Time"
  • Tiwatope Savage
  • Marcus McCauley
  • Rahima Balogun
  • Zakira Ousley
1:54
2."Wanted"
  • Savage
  • Tiffany Fred
Warren Oak Felder 3:30
3."Ileke"
  • Savage
  • Tunji Balogun
GospelOnDeBeatz4:00
4."Middle Passage"SavageRaydar Ellis5:01
5."Olorun Mi"SavageSauce Wilson3:52
6."Why Don't You Love Me"Savage
3:56
7."Fela Interlude"Fela Anikulapo KutiSauce Wilson1:23
8."Love Me (3x)"
  • Savage
  • Richard King
Harmony Samuels 3:39
9."Eminado" (featuring Don Jazzy)SavageDon Jazzy3:50
10."Folarin"
  • Savage
  • Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe
Spellz 4:11
11."Oh Yeah" (featuring Don Jazzy)SavageDon Jazzy3:24
12."Shout Out" (featuring Iceberg Slim and Sarkodie)
  • Savage
  • Olusegun Olowokere
  • Michael Owusu Addo
Spellz3:50
13."Written All Over Your Face"
  • Savage
  • Tiffany Fred
Warren Oak Felder3:31
14."Get Low"SavageSauce Wilson3:46
15."Ife Wa Gbona" (featuring Leo Wonder)
  • Savage
  • Leo Wonder
Sossick4:48
16."Eji Ma Fia"
Spellz5:05
17."Baby Mo" (featuring Flavour N'abania)
  • Savage
  • Chinedu Okoli
Del B 3:34
18."Stand as One" (featuring General Pype)
  • Savage
  • Olayiwola Ibrahim Majekodunmi
Spellz4:28
19."Thank You"
  • Savage
  • Aluko Timothy
Don Jazzy2:33
Once Upon a Time– Bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
20."Without My Heart" (featuring Don Jazzy)
  • Savage
  • Fred
  • Balogun
  • Michael Collins Ajereh
Warren Oak Felder3:53
21."Kele Kele Love"SavageHarmony Samuels3:42
Total length:77:00
Samples

Personnel

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabel
VariousJuly 2, 2013 CD, Digital download Mavin Records, 323 Entertainment
NigeriaJuly 3, 2013

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dr SID</span> Nigerian singer (born 1980)

Sidney Onoriode Esiri, commonly known as Dr SID, is a Nigerian singer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don Jazzy</span> Nigerian record producer (born 1982)

Michael Collins Ajereh, known professionally as Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian record producer. He founded the record label Mavin Records in 2012, for which he is chief executive officer (CEO) and has signed artists including D'Prince. Prior, he co-founded Mo' Hits Records with D'banj in 2004, and was an in-house producer for Kanye West's GOOD Music from 2011 to 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ice Prince</span> Nigerian rapper (born 1984)

Panshak Henry Zamani better known as Ice Prince Zamani or just Ice Prince, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He rose to fame after releasing "Oleku", one of Nigeria's most remixed songs of all time. He won the 2009 Hennessy Artistry Club Tour. His debut studio album Everybody Loves Ice Prince was released in 2011. It was supported by three singles: "Oleku", "Superstar" and "Juju". In 2013, Ice Prince released Fire of Zamani as his second studio album. The album contained the singles "Aboki", "More", "Gimme Dat" and "I Swear". On 1 July 2015, Ice Prince was announced as the vice president of Chocolate City. He held the position until he left the label in 2016. He has collaborated with top African rappers like Navio of Uganda, Khaligraph Jones of Kenya, AKA of South Africa, Sarkodie of Ghana among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mavin Records</span> Nigerian record label

Mavin Records is a Nigerian corporation and record label founded by record producer and recording artist Don Jazzy on 8 May 2012. The label's inception came to fruition following the closure of Mo' Hits Records, a record label owned by the aforementioned producer and D'banj. The label is home to recording artists such as Rema, Ayra Starr, Crayon, Johnny Drille, Ladipoe, Magixx, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, and Lifesize Teddy. It also houses producers such as Jazzy himself, Altims, London, Baby Fresh, and Andre Vibez. In 2014, DJ Big N became the label's official disc jockey. Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Reekado Banks and Iyanya were all formerly signed to the label. On 8 May 2012, the label released its compilation album Solar Plexus. In January 2019, Mavin Records secured a multi-million dollars investment from Kupanda Holdings, a subsidiary of Kupanda Capital and TPG Growth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiwa Savage</span> Nigerian singer (born 1980)

Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress. Savage sings in English and Yoruba; her music is a blend of afrobeats, R&B, afropop, pop and hip-hop. Savage's contributions to the Nigerian music industry have earned her several achievements.

<i>Solar Plexus</i> (album) 2012 compilation album by Mavin Records

Solar Plexus is a compilation album released by Mavin Records on May 8, 2012. Produced entirely by Don Jazzy, the album comprises thirteen tracks and was made available for free digital download. It contains solo tracks recorded by D'Prince, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal and Dr SID. The album's release coincided with the record label's launch date. Solar Plexus was supported the singles "Take Banana" and "Omo Ga". The album received generally negative reviews from music critics, who called it a rushed project and considered it be Don Jazzy's weakest produced album of his career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wizkid discography</span>

The discography of Wizkid, a Nigerian Afrobeats singer, consists of five studio albums, two EPs, fifty-three singles, forty-four promotional singles, sixteen guest appearances, six cameo appearances and thirty-five music videos. Wizkid started his music career at age 11, releasing a seven-track collaborative album with Glorious Five entitled Lil Prinz. Wizkid garnered notoriety when he collaborated with Naeto C, Ikechukwu, M.I and Kel. He signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment in 2009. From 2009 through 2011, Wizkid worked on materials for his debut album Superstar (2011). Superstar was supported by the singles "Love My Baby", "Pakurumo", "Tease Me/Bad Guys", "Don't Dull" and "Holla at Your Boy".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iyanya</span> Nigerian recording artist

Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, known by his stage name Iyanya, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to fame after winning the first season of Project Fame West Africa, and is best known for his hit single "Kukere". He released his debut studio album My Story in 2009; it was supported by the singles "No Time" and "Love Truly". Iyanya co-founded the record label Made Men Music Group with Ubi Franklin in 2011. His second studio album, titled Desire, was released in February 2013. It supported by the singles "Kukere", "Ur Waist", "Flavour", "Sexy Mama", and "Jombolo". He won the Artist of the Year award at The Headies 2013. In October 2016, Iyanya announced on Instagram that he signed a record deal with Mavin Records. Few months prior, he signed a management deal with Temple Management Company. He first announced his intentions to leave Made Men Music Group in July 2016. In 2024 Iyanya release his new album, 'Once Upon A Cat' Under the Made Men Music Group Record Label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr Endowed</span> 2010 song performed by Dbanj

"Mr Endowed" is a song by Nigerian singer D'banj, released on May 23, 2010. Produced by Don Jazzy, it was included in the track listing for Mr. Endowed, an album that was never released due to D'banj's exit from Mo' Hits Records. The song was reportedly recorded after D'banj signed a recording contract with Kanye West's GOOD Music. In an interview with April Woodard of BET, D'banj confirmed the rumours about the aforementioned contract.

<i>Empire Mates State of Mind</i> 2012 compilation album by Empire Mates Entertainment

Empire Mates State of Mind is a compilation album by musicians of Nigerian record label Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). It was released by the label on 18 June 2012. The album's production was handled by Legendury Beatz, Sarz, Masterkraft, Cobhams Asuquo, Kid Konnect and Spellz. Empire Mates State of Mind features collaborations with X.O Senavoe, Rotimi and Basketmouth. It produced seven singles—"Baddest Boy", "Dance for Me", "Get Down Tonight", "Ko Mo Le", "Sun Mo Mi", "Don't Delay Me " and "Change".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiwa Savage discography</span> Nigerian singer discography

The discography of Tiwa Savage, a Nigerian singer consists of three studio albums, one compilation album, 23 singles, ten music videos, four promotional single, five guest appearances, and one cameo appearance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kele Kele Love</span> 2010 single by Tiwa Savage

"Kele Kele Love" is a song by Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. It was released on November 4, 2010, by Mavin Records and 323 Entertainment. The song serves as the lead single from her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time (2013). It won Best R&B Soul Song at the 2011 Afrotainment Museke Online Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Davido</span> Nigerian singer (born 1992)

David Adedeji AdelekeOON, known professionally as Davido, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He is regarded as one of the most important Afrobeats artists of the 21st century, and is credited alongside Burna Boy and Wizkid for popularizing the genre globally.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Di'Ja</span> Nigerian singer

Hadiza Blell, now Hadiza Blell-Olo, better known by her stage name Di'Ja, is a Nigerian singer. She is currently signed to Mavin Records. In 2009, she released her first single "Rock Steady", which was nominated for Best Urban/R&B Single at the 2009 Canadian Radio Music Awards. Moreover, she won the Best New Artist award at the 2008 Beat Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clarence Peters</span> Nigerian music video director, filmmaker and cinematographer

Clarence Abiodun Peters is a Nigerian music video director, filmmaker and cinematographer. He is the founder and CEO of CAPital Dream Pictures, a production company that specializes in performing arts, film and video. He is also the founder and CEO of Capital Hill Records, a record label that was home to Chidinma, Tha Suspect and Illbliss. He was ranked 2nd on Channel O's list of the Top 10 Most Visionary Music Video Directors.

The 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards took place on 31 August 2014, at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. The eligibility period was from March 2013 to March 2014. In April 2014, the NEA reviewing committee began collecting submissions for the 2014 edition. The deadline for submission was April 30, 2014, and the nominations were announced on May 29, 2014. Tiwa Savage and Davido received the most nominations with 5 each. Don Jazzy, Flavour N'abania and Wizkid all got four nominations each, while Olamide, Patoranking, Chidinma and Oritse Femi followed closely with three nominations.

"Eminado" is a song by Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. It features vocals by Don Jazzy and was released as the seventh single from her debut studio album, Once Upon a Time (2013). The song peaked at number two on MTV Base's Official Naija Top 10 chart for the week of March 7 through March 13, 2014. "Eminado" was ranked tenth on Vanguard's list of the top ten hit songs that made 2013. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics and consumers. Conversely, its music video was criticized for having a lot of similarities to the "Asinamali" music video by Tumi and the Volume. "Eminado" was nominated for Hottest Single of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and for World's Best Song at the 2014 World Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D'Prince</span> Nigerian recording artist and entrepreneur

Charles Enebeli, better known by his stage name D'Prince, is a Nigerian Afropop singer, record executive, and entrepreneur. He founded the entertainment company and record label Jonzing World in 2019, through which he has signed singer Rema.

<i>R.E.D</i> (Tiwa Savage album) 2015 studio album by Tiwa Savage

R.E.D is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. It was released on December 19, 2015, by Mavin Records and 323 Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Don Jazzy, Olamide, Dr SID, Iceberg Slim, 2face Idibia, D'Prince, Busy Signal and Reekado Banks. It was primarily produced by Don Jazzy, along with additional production from Baby Fresh, Altims, Spellz and P2J. The album was supported by the singles "My Darlin" and "Standing Ovation". Its deluxe edition was released in February 2016, and features collaborations with Wizkid and P-Square. R.E.D was nominated for Best Album at the 2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

References

  1. "Tiwa Savage - Profile". RVO Media. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  2. "iTunes - Music - Once Upon a Time by Tiwa Savage". iTunes. 2 July 2013. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  3. 1 2 "My fiance wiped away my shame – Tiwa Savage". Vanguard Nigeria. Archived from the original on 23 August 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  4. "Exclusive Photos from Tiwa Savage's Album Listening Party". 360nobs. Archived from the original on 11 August 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  5. "Tiwa Savage Biography, a Nigerian singer". Nigerianmusicnetwork. Archived from the original on 15 December 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  6. "Album Review: Tiwa Savage – Once Upon A Time". tooxclusive. Archived from the original on 9 September 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  7. 1 2 "BN Exclusive: All About Tiwa Savage's "Once Upon a Time" Album Listening Party in Lagos! Photos of Lynxxx, Waje, Banky W, Eku Edewor, Bez, Uti Nwachukwu & more Stars". Bellanaija. 29 May 2013. Archived from the original on 1 September 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  8. "New Video: Tiwa Savage – Kele Kele Love". Bellanaija. 5 November 2010. Archived from the original on 12 September 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  9. "VIDEO PREMIERE: Tiwa Savage – Love Me, Love Me, Love Me". Notjustok. 10 October 2011. Archived from the original on 11 October 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  10. "The Headies (Hip Hop World Awards 2012) Winners List". Hiphopworldmagazine. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  11. 1 2 "Afribiz Charts - Top 100". Afribizcharts. Archived from the original on 20 August 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  12. "Tiwa Savage ft. Don Jazzy – Without My Heart". NotjustOk.com. 5 December 2011. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  13. "New Music: Tiwa Savage feat. Don Jazzy – Without My Heart". Bellanaija. 6 December 2011. Archived from the original on 25 December 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  14. "2013 4syte TV Music Video Awards launched". Citifm Online. 6 October 2013. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  15. "2013 Channel O Music Video Awards: First Photos from the Nominees Announcement + Complete List of Nominees". Bellanaija. 4 September 2013. Archived from the original on 7 September 2013. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  16. "Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2013 -View Full Nominees List". Notjustok. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  17. "Nigerian Entertainment Awards: Nadia, Dumelo and Sarkodie win". ghanaweb. 2 September 2013. Archived from the original on 25 December 2013. Retrieved 3 September 2013.
  18. "Tiwa Savage Feat. Leo Wonder – Ife Wa Gbona". Bellanaija. 9 October 2012. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  19. "NIgerian Music Video Awards (NMVA 2012 ) Full Winners List". tooxclusive. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  20. "New Music: Tiwa Savage – Folarin". Bellanaija. 14 December 2012. Archived from the original on 3 March 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2014.
  21. "Video: Tiwa Savage – Olorun Mi". Notjustok. Archived from the original on 28 August 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  22. "Video: Tiwa Savage ft. Don Jazzy – Eminado". Notjustok. 4 November 2013. Archived from the original on 10 December 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  23. "Tiwa Savage: Once upon a time". Msn Entertainment. Archived from the original on 18 August 2013. Retrieved 31 August 2013.
  24. "Photos/Video: Tiwa Savage's Most Raunchy Video Finally Out". Osun Defender. 28 May 2014. Archived from the original on 29 May 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  25. Owoseje, Toyin (28 May 2014). "Tiwa Savage Wanted Video: Singer's Super Sexy Promo Causes Backlash". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 29 May 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  26. "Album Review: Once Upon A Time is a sweet fairy tale". The Net Nigeria. Archived from the original on 23 September 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  27. "Review: Tiwa Savage - Once Upon a Time". TayoTv. Archived from the original on 24 August 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  28. "Tiwa Savage - Once Upon A Time (Album Review)". Hiphopworldmagazine. Archived from the original on 15 September 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  29. "Album Review: Tiwa Savage – Once Upon A Time". tooxclusive. Archived from the original on 9 September 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  30. "Album review: On 'Once upon a time', Tiwa Savage isn't quite sure what she wants to be". YNaija. Archived from the original on 8 August 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  31. Abimboye, Micheal (31 May 2014). "Pop duo, Skuki, reject Nigerian Entertainment Awards nomination". Premium Times. Archived from the original on 5 June 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
  32. Ochugba, Mary (10 October 2014). "The Headies unveils 2014 nominees". Business Day. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
  33. "Once Upon a Time (The Album) - Tiwa Savage: The MOB's Take". citrusmusiclive. Archived from the original on 23 August 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  34. "Album Review!! Tiwa Savage's R.E.D is somewhat inferior to her debut album". Simply African Music. January 13, 2016. Archived from the original on November 3, 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
  35. "Tiwa Savage "Once Upon A Time" Album Listening Session: My thoughts on the album, Her fashion & the event". that1960chick. Archived from the original on 10 June 2013. Retrieved 1 September 2013.
  36. "Direct Sample of Drums". WhoSampled.com. Archived from the original on 26 December 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2013.