The story behind Tiwa Savage’s new song title “49-99”

by Staff writer

Nigerian music diva this month released her much-anticipated single “49-99”.

The single is Tiwa’s official single this year, after her waves-making collaboration with DJ Spinall and Wizkid on “Dis Love”.

Tiwa’s “49-99” marks her final exit from Mavin Records.

Tiwa Savage, now officially a ROC Nation artiste, revealed Olamide was part of the writers of the song.

The song title “49-99” references the line “49 sitting, 99 standing” from Fela Kuti’s 1978 legendary hit “Shuffering and Shmiling.”

Tiwa, through a press release, disclosed the song reflects the “hard life many Nigerians go through.”

“A transit bus serves as a case study,” the singer said.


“It ought to have only 49 seated passengers, however, due to poor economic conditions, we often have nearly twice that number of passengers standing (99).”

The music video for “49-99” was directed by London-based director and photographer, Meji Alabi.

A scene of the music video shows Tiwa wearing lengthy braids that formed intricate patterns around her, paying homage to her heritage.

Part of the song’s lyrics goes:

“Waiting for Danfo, waiting for Uber and Okada,

Ọmọ no be so me I want to live oI got to get the dollar, ko kunle’


Plenty plenty moolah, A’dekunle”

Listen to “49-99” here:

Here are all the places to download and listen to “49-99” by Tiwa Savage:

a. YouTube

b. iTunes

c. Spotify

d. SoundCloud

e. Amazon Prime Music

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