Tiwa Savage shares new single Lost Time ahead of debut film

Produced by Khari ‘Needlz’ Cain (Bruno Mars, Drake, Cardi B) and Poo Bear (Justin Bieber, TY Dolla, Usher), ‘Lost Time’ is a bare, guitar-led offering that broods over a past love and the yearning to relive happier times. It is the first single off her Water & Garri – The Soundtrack album supporting her debut feature film Water and Garri, out on 10 May on Prime Video along with the LP through EMPIRE.

The soundtrack album boasts 10 songs across Afropop, R&B and hip hop. It features Nigerian acts such as Olamide and Ayra Starr, Young Jonn, The Cavemen, Aṣa and Mystro Sugar. Others include Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist and singer Richard Bona, Ghana’s Black Sherif and US gospel artist Zacardi Cortez.

“The Water & Garri film and its accompanying soundtrack marks a pivotal chapter in Tiwa’s artistic journey as she embarks in the world of film, taking on her first lead role in a feature movie as well as its executive producer,” a statement reads. 

The movie, shot in Cape Coast, Ghana, and takes its title from the singer’s 2021 EP of the same name, follows Aisha (played by Tiwa Savage), a determined fashion designer who returns to her West African hometown from the US following a family loss. Set amidst rising conflicts, the plot delves into Aisha’s journey of reconnecting with family, old acquaintances and a former flame. Starring alongside Tiwa Savage are Mike Afolarin, Andrew Bunting and Jemima Osunde.

“This has been over two years in the making and I must say this is probably one of the most adventurous, fulfilling things I’ve done,” said Tiwa Savage when she announced the film in January. “[I] honestly can’t wait to take you guys along with me on this next phase of my life and art. I’m just getting started.”

Tiwa Savage, a recipient of multiple awards, has released three albums: Once Upon A Time, R.E.D, and Celia. In 2023, she was featured alongside other contemporary African musicians on Africa Unite, a posthumous album by Bob Marley and the Wailers, paying tribute to Marley's greatest hits. Tiwa Savage collaborated on a remake of 'Waiting in Vain' for the album.