Afrobeats leading lady Tiwa Savage took New York Fashion Week by storm, attending every show that put on for the diaspora that is Black culture. BET caught up with the '49-99' singer at the Laquan Smith show and, let’s just say, it was like an episode of “Running In Heels” trying to keep up with the star as she mingled with other celebrities backstage. The busy star posed with Kehlani and Slick Woods, chatting over the showstopping looks that came down the runway. When asked what show she was looking forward to most attending her first NYFW, she says she was excited to see Rihanna’s show, just like the rest of us!

“I’m excited to see everyone who represents our culture, especially the Savage x Fenty show,” Tiwa explained.  

The lights, cameras, and action of New York Fashion Week could be a little nerve wracking for a first-timer, but Tiwa wasn’t nervous at all. She literally exuded excitement! With her packed appearance schedule, she was booked and busy, performing at Carmelo Anthony’s Melo Made presentation, which showcased different designers, on Friday night, and she even took the time to host a brunch celebrating women of the African Diaspora on Tuesday. 

When it comes to her personal style, incorporating her Nigerian culture into her style is not only important, but necessary to the artist. If you haven't seen the visuals for her '49-99' video, you can see that the custom looks were all inspired by her culture.

“I'm African. I'm a Nigerian woman and my music is Afrobeat. I try and incorporate that with my style, always. So whether it's my hair or something that I'm wearing, I always want it to represent Africa. So I have really long braids today. But I'll mix textures, patterns, and prints with my outfit,” Tiwa explained. 

Her favorite West African print is Idera, which she explains and said, “I love Idera! It’s like tie and dye, so you get the fabric and then you let the colors bleed into each other. It's something I really would like to incorporate more into my art.” 

As far as her vibrant, every day style, she’s definitely into streetwear culture.

“I love streetwear! [I like] a little bit of Aaliyah mixed with TLC,” said Tiwa.

Traveling can wreak havoc on our skin, but the 39-year-old mother has the most beautiful skin we've ever seen. She shares that her secret is Ghanian, black soap, and while traveling on tour, she must have baby-wipes.

“I always have to have wipes, always. They are perfect for traveling and freshening up.”

The Nigerian-born singer may seem like a breakout star in the states to some, but she has been in the music industry for quite some time. She has penned hits for Fantasia, Monica, and even sang back-up for the queen of Hip-Hop and R&B, Mary J. Blige. 

Black women have been so influential in American, pop music. Afrobeats has now shifted into a huge part of pop music, with American artists even adopting the familiar sound and drum beats. Tiwa thinks it’s not only great, but it’s about time that Afro-beats get the recognition it deserves.

“I love the shift that is happening. This is something that we've enjoyed for many years. And finally, the rest of the world is starting to hear it. And I feel like they can relate because a lot of the popular music stems from Africa or rhythm, you know; the beat and the drum pattern. So it's really exciting how we’re able to incorporate and collaborate with other artists."

The Nigerian-based star would love to follow in her girl Rihanna’s footsteps and collaborate with the house of LVMH on a collection.

“I love Louis Vuitton and Fendi. If I could collaborate on a line, I would love it to be with them."

We followed Tiwa along through her busy week, from fashion shows to parties, as the Afrobeats star served in stunning looks. 

Take a look at some of Tiwa’s eye-catching outfits while attending her first New York Fashion Week!

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.