Water & Garri (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2024)
Water & Garri is the second EP by Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. It was released on 20 August 2021 by Motown Records and Universal Music Group. The EP features guest appearances from American rapper Nas, American singer, Brandy, Ghanaian singer Amaarae, fellow Nigerian singer Tay Iwar, and record producer Rich King. Production was handled by Tay Iwar, Cracker Mallo, Mystro, Le Mav, and Rich King. It serves as a follow-up to Celia (2020).
Motolani Alake of Pulse Nigeria described Tiwa Savage's Water & Garri as a “supremely successful” EP that marks her entry into her “graceful years,” characterized by experimental, assured, and deeply personal music. He praised its high-caliber replay value, authentic topics, and top-tier production, noting that Savage’s vulnerability and maturity shine throughout. With a score of 8.6/10, the EP was hailed as “Savage moving by her own rules” and a significant evolution from her previous work.[4] Chinonso Ihekire of Afrocritik described the EP as a "no-skip record" that showcases Tiwa Savage's artistic evolution, blending emotional depth with sophisticated production. He highlighted its "magic" and its ability to "resonate with multiple demographics," awarding it a rating of 8.5/10.[2] Adewojumi Aderemi of The Native praised Water & Garri as a "dynamic amalgamation of tastes and styles" that subverts and exceeds expectations, showcasing Tiwa Savage's purposeful artistry and her refusal to compromise her identity despite global ambitions. The EP was lauded for its "sonic depth," with standout moments like Brandy's Yoruba verse on "Somebody’s Son" and Tay Iwar's captivating solo close on "Special Kinda," reflecting the growing diversity in mainstream Nigerian pop music.[5]
Emmanuel Daraloye commended Tiwa Savage’s Water & Garri EP for its heartfelt fusion of R&B, soul, and Afro-fusion, describing it as "a dart between hope and despair." Highlighting its emotional depth and collaborations with icons like Brandy, he noted that the project marks a "detour from the pop-centric Mama Jam Jam we all know" while maintaining Tiwa’s signature artistry.[6] Stephen Onu of Premium Times praised the EP for its originality and emotional depth, noting it showcased "a ‘Tiwa’ without the ‘Savage’" as she embraced a more personal and reflective side. With intentional collaborations and "phenomenal" production, the EP earned an 8/10 rating, with "Somebody’s Son" standing out as the hit track for its harmonious blend and universal appeal.[3] Adanna Ogbolu of TXT Mag described Tiwa Savage's Water & Garri as "the music she was born to make," praising it as the culmination of her decade-long career and the best music she has produced. Highlighting its "perfect and outstanding features," Ogbolu emphasized the EP’s emotional depth, R&B excellence, and collaborations, though she noted it also serves as a poignant reminder of what stardom and commercial pressures have cost both Tiwa and her audience.[7]
