"I thought I was going to see victims, but I saw conquerors" - Tiwa Savage reflects on her time in Malawi

Tiwa Savage meets Enesi (left) and Thabisa (right). Photo: Spotlight Initiative

August 28, 2026

LILONGWE, Malawi - Award-winning music artist Tiwa Savage visited Malawi this week to raise awareness about gender-based violence and see the impact and legacy of Spotlight Initiative's programme on ending violence against women and girls. Over the course of four days, she met and spoke with survivors, activists, students, emerging music artists and creatives, high-level government officials, and representatives from the United Nations and the European Union Delegation. She shares her reflections on the journey below.

Tiwa Savage tours Music Crossroads Malawi. — Tiwa Savage tours the non-profit Music Crossroads Malawi. Photo: Spotlight Initiative.

How would you describe your time in Malawi?

My experience here in Malawi has been beautiful. The people have been so overwhelmingly lovely. I really see why they call it the warm heart of Africa, and it made the reason why I was here a lot easier. It's been one of those life-changing experiences for me.

Why did you choose to work with Spotlight Initiative?

I chose to work with Spotlight Initiative because violence against women and girls is completely preventable and it’s a cause very close to my heart. Right here in Malawi, Spotlight Initiative has started something that's already great. I met with some of the women and girl survivors. Their stories were so encouraging and I wanted to continue what Spotlight Initiative had already started.

What surprised you about the visit?

I was very surprised when I went into the field [to visit the districts]. I'd been gearing myself up, I even packed extra tissues because I knew I was going to be crying. And at the end of the visit, I realized that I didn't cry once. Hearing the stories of the women was heartbreaking. You would not believe what they have endured, some of them as young as 14. But their strength was unbelievable. It overshadowed even what they'd been through. I didn’t cry because I was so inspired by how strong these women are. They're still so positive about life; they don't see themselves as victims. They just were looking forward to how to improve the lives of themselves and their children. They wanted to break the cycle. I thought I was going to see victims, but I saw conquerors. I saw survivors who want to pull the next girl behind them. I was not expecting to see that. That was beautiful.

Tiwa Savage addressing participants at the intergenerational dialogue — Tiwa Savage addressing participants at an intergenerational dialogue with civil society activists and survivors of violence. Photo: UNDP Malawi/Jonathan Mphande.

Share a moment that will stay with you.

The first girl I met, her name is Enesi. She was just a positive ray of light. She has a little boy, like me, and she is a boss in the real sense of the word. She said she started out with two goats. When we got there, she had 11. She showed them to me and she said her dream is to have 60. She wants to get a cell phone, she also wants to go into maize farming. She said she's a great dancer. I'm never going to forget Enesi.

When you come back to Malawi, what would you like to see?

I was on the phone to my son yesterday and I said I really wanted him to come back with me, because I think it's important for us to teach young boys. It's one thing to talk to the girls, to talk to the survivors, but it's also important for us to raise young men and young kings who will turn their backs against violence. So when I come back, not only do I want to see more survivors, but I want to see young men and young boys joining us and fighting until every girl and woman in Malawi is safe.