Part one of a special blend of Tiwa’s most formative sonic influences

As the follow-up to her acclaimed third album, 2020’s Celia, Water & Garri unifies Tiwa Savage’s global influences—gleaned from spending primary years in Lagos, teenage years in London and attending university in the US—into a collage of R&B, Afrobeats and pop. Named after the staple cassava dish that’s enjoyed hot or cold, and released in two parts, Water & Garri mashes together sounds and styles with global collaborators and her own heartfelt style. On “Somebody’s Son”, she ruminates on a love to come alongside US singer Brandy, while on “Tales by Moonlight” she links up with Ghanaian singer Amaarae on a flirtatious jaunt pairing elements of soulful ’90s house with African rhythms. This half of the two-part EP also loops in the talents of Nas and Rich King (“Work Fada”) and Tay Iwar (“Special Kinda”).