Nigeria: Davido and Tiwa Savage to receive national honours

The awards were established by the National Honours Act No. 5 of 1964 to celebrate individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Nigeria.

This year’s awardees were unveiled by the Federal Government on Sunday. The honours are ranked with the highest being the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, followed by Commander of the Order of the Niger, Officer of the Order of the Niger, Member of the Federal Republic, Officer of the Federal Republic and Federal Republic Medal I.  

As ambassadors of Nigerian talent and cultural heritage who continue to inspire a new generation of artists and contribute to the growth and recognition of the nation’s creative industry, Davido and Tiwa Savage will be bestowed with the Officer of the Order of the Niger medal, specifically chosen for their positive impact on Nigerian music and culture. They are among more than 300 distinguished individuals who will receive national honours this year.

Since his foray into the music industry more than 10 years ago, Davido’s releases have been attended by massive commercial acclaim. So far, he has authored four LPs, with the latest, Timeless, arriving back in March.

Tiwa Savage is behind the Sugarcane and Water & Garri EPs, as well as three well-received albums namely, Once Upon a Time, R.E.D and Celia. She also recently appeared on the remake of Bob Marley and The Wailers’ classic ‘Waiting in Vain’, which was originally released in 1977 on the Exodus album.

“I am thankful for this recognition and honour,” Davido said. It has always been my mission to utilise my platform to showcase our country’s passion, resilience, joy, culture, and of course, the struggles of our people. I do not take any of this for granted. We have one Nigeria, and we will continue to do whatever is necessary to make it better! Thank you all for being on this journey with me.”

In October last year, fellow Nigerian musicians 2Baba Idibia, Burna Boy and Teni the Entertainer were named as recipients of national honours. Teni the Entertainer and 2Baba Idibia were honoured as Members of the Order of Niger, while Burna Boy was named a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.