Nigerian award-winning singer Tiwa Savage has made a surprising revelation about one of the biggest hits from Mavin Records — Dorobucci.
The singer disclosed that she initially disliked the song and thought it was “a crap record” when producer Don Jazzy first played it for her.
Speaking during an interview on NotJustOk, the Somebody’s Son crooner shared a candid account of how her skepticism turned into one of the most memorable highlights of her music career.
Tiwa Savage Recounts Her First Impression of Dorobucci
Tiwa Savage explained that the first time she heard Dorobucci was during her wedding trip to Dubai.
According to her, Don Jazzy, the renowned producer and founder of Mavin Records, had been playing the unfinished track repeatedly in their hotel room.
“Don’t know if people know this,” she said, “but Dorobucci — I had Don Jazzy playing that in the hotel when we were in Dubai for my wedding, and I didn’t want to tell him, but I thought it was such a crap song.”
At the time, she had no idea that she would later feature on the track, which went on to become one of Mavin Records’ biggest anthems.
Tiwa Savage admitted that she tried to ignore the tune, assuming it was an experimental sound meant for another artist on the label.
From Skepticism to Studio Surprise
When Don Jazzy later insisted she return to Nigeria to record, Tiwa Savage initially declined, thinking she needed more time for her honeymoon. “He said, ‘Eh, there’s one record, you have to come back to Nigeria,’” she recounted.
On arriving in Lagos, Tiwa Savage heard the completed version of Dorobucci for the first time in the studio. The transformation shocked her.
“I got back to Nigeria and I heard the song that he played in Dubai. I was flabbergasted. I was so angry because this had happened with Eminado too — and I didn’t like it at first,” she confessed.
Her honesty reflects a familiar creative tension between artists and producers, where instinct sometimes clashes with the eventual magic of collaboration.
Tiwa Savage on Recording Her Verse
Tiwa Savage revealed that she was the last person to record her verse because she was uncertain about the song’s potential.
“I was the last person to record my verse because I was just looking at everybody in the studio like — do you guys really like this?” she said, laughing.
Despite her reluctance, Tiwa’s contribution eventually became one of the track’s most memorable parts.
The song’s fusion of playful chants, catchy rhythm, and distinct Mavin energy captured the hearts of fans worldwide, helping to define the label’s post-Mo’ Hits era.
The singer added that she initially wondered which of the younger Mavin acts — Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, or D’Prince — the track was meant for.
“I was thinking, ehya, like these people — not knowing that I was going to be on the song as well,” she said.
How Dorobucci Became a National Phenomenon
Dorobucci went on to become one of the defining Afropop anthems of its time. Released in 2014, it showcased Mavin Records’ signature style of collective creativity and fun.
The song dominated airwaves, clubs, and award platforms, solidifying Don Jazzy’s reputation as Nigeria’s leading producer and further propelling Tiwa Savage’s career to global recognition.
Reflecting on its success, Tiwa Savage admitted she could not explain how Don Jazzy turns simple melodies into timeless hits.
“I don’t know what Don Jazzy does,” she said, “but yeah, that was… I heard it and didn’t want to tell him. And it turned out to be phenomenal. So shout-out as always to Don Jazzy.”
Legacy of Dorobucci and Tiwa Savage’s Growth
The story of Dorobucci highlights Tiwa Savage’s authenticity and willingness to admit her doubts — a rare honesty in the entertainment industry.
Today, she is recognized as one of Africa’s biggest female music exports, with multiple awards, international collaborations, and performances on global stages.
Her reflection on Dorobucci is a reminder that even seasoned artists can underestimate the power of a song.
It also showcases the strength of teamwork within Mavin Records, where creative risks often yield groundbreaking results.
From Eminado to Koroba and Somebody’s Son, Tiwa Savage has continued to evolve, proving that innovation and openness remain the backbone of longevity in music.
Tiwa Savage’s Honesty Strikes a Chord
In revealing her doubts about Dorobucci, Tiwa Savage not only humanised her superstar image but also reinforced a valuable lesson — success often comes from embracing uncertainty.
What began as a song she dismissed has become a defining record in her career, shaping the legacy of Nigerian Afropop for years to come.
As she concluded in the interview: “I was just thinking, ehyaa, not knowing I was going to be on the song. And it turned out to be phenomenal.”
Her story once again underscores why Tiwa Savage remains one of the most influential voices in Africa’s music scene — bold, relatable, and unapologetically honest.
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