Nigerian Afrobeats heavyweight Tiwa Savage has dropped her latest single, You4Me, ushering in a soulful vibe just in time for summer. The track, released via EMPIRE, marks her first lead single of the year and sets the tone for her upcoming fourth studio album, This One Is Personal, expected later in 2025. Known for her genre-blending prowess, Tiwa leans heavily into her R&B roots with You4Me, a move that feels like a natural evolution for the artist who has long cited ‘90s R&B as a core influence.
You4Me is a lush, romantic anthem that samples Tamia’s 1998 classic So Into You, a track that peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and became a defining slow jam of the era. Produced by Tiwa’s frequent collaborator Mystro, the song fuses nostalgic elements with a contemporary Afrobeats-R&B bounce, creating a smouldering groove that’s perfect for intimate settings—think couples swaying under a sunset glow. Tiwa’s buttery vocals glide over the production, channelling the satin tones of Brandy and the emotional candour of Mary J. Blige, both of whom she’s worked with as a backup singer earlier in her career. Lyrics like “I really like what you’ve done to me, I can’t really explain it, I am so into you” capture the exhilarating rush of new love, while lines such as “See my recoil, just like magic, drive me loco, automatic” add a playful, sensual edge.
The track follows Tiwa’s recent collaboration, Commitment with UK R&B star Craig David, a sultry duet that also leaned into R&B territory and resonated with Nigerian fans nostalgic for Craig’s early 2000s hits like 7 Days. Together, these releases signal a deliberate shift for Tiwa as she prepares her next album, which she describes as deeply introspective. In a teaser for This One Is Personal shared on April 21, 2025, Tiwa delivered spoken word poetry: “It’s the every time I fell and still found a way to shine, for every lesson dressed in pain, every smile I wore through the rain,” hinting at a project that’s both personal and emotionally charged.
You4Me underscores Tiwa’s enduring influence as a trailblazer in African music. With a career spanning over a decade, she’s made history as the first Nigerian artist to perform at King Charles III’s coronation in 2023 and recently received the Media Icon Award from Forbes Africa in 2025 for her impact on music and culture. Her discography boasts hits like Koroba and Somebody’s Son, and her 2021 EP Water & Garri hinted at the R&B direction she’s now fully embracing. As Tiwa Savage continues to redefine Afrobeats with her versatility, You4Me positions her as not just a Nigerian icon but a global force, ready to deliver her most personal project yet.
Listen to You4Me here.
