Somebody's Son

"Somebody's Son" is a song by Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage featuring American singer Brandy. It was released as the second single from the former's second EP Water & Garri (2021) by Motown Records and Universal Music South Africa on 12 October 2021.^[1] The song, which blends Afrobeats with R&B and soul, explores themes of love, longing, and emotional vulnerability. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised the vocal chemistry between Savage and Brandy and its mellow production. The song was nominated for Outstanding International Song at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards and received multiple nominations at African award ceremonies.

In an interview with Dash Radio, Tiwa Savage said she had long admired American singer Brandy and described her as one of her favorite vocalists. She recalled that after moving to London, she was inspired to pursue singing after listening to Brandy's "I Wanna Be Down". Savage said she used to study and mimic Brandy's vocal runs and ad-libs. Savage explained that she later met Brandy through a mutual connection. According to Savage, their meeting led to a studio session, where Brandy suggested they record a song together. Savage said she already had "Somebody’s Son" and presented it during that session.^[2]

"Somebody's Son" received positive reviews from critics, who praised Tiwa Savage and Brandy's vocal chemistry, its romantic theme, and its mellow production. Solope Alatise from the Indiependent described "Somebody's Son" as "a song about waiting for the day a man will walk into your life" with voices that "blend seamlessly" and a beat that "creates a picture of intimacy and generational love." He remarked that the song "makes you hopeful again" and concluded that it "hails new hope for love."^[3] Afrocritik's Abioye Damilare Samson included it in the publication's list of "10 Tiwa Savage Songs That Crowned Her the Queen of Afrobeats". He described the song as "a subtle heartbreak anthem" and "undeniably one of the most memorable cuts" from Water & Garri, further calling it an "international collaboration that was nothing short of flawless" where "the duo’s voices glide effortlessly over the mellow production," and concluding that Tiwa "taps into something universal…a yearning for love."^[4] Emmanuel Daraloye, writing for TheCable, called the track "a perfect blend of synergy between two world-class songstresses," noting that Tiwa Savage and Brandy "complement one another with Brandy singing in the Yoruba language," and highlighting its production filled with drums and "mellow" strings.^[5]

In a review for Pulse Nigeria, Motolani Alake said "Somebody's Son" was central to Water & Garri, describing it as "the nucleus" of the EP. Alake added that it "denounces men but still craves the warmth of romance" and suggested that it would have been more relatable with Simi instead of Brandy.^[6] Stephen Onu of Premium Times praised the song's "energy everyone would love to vibe to" and called it "simply enjoyable and danceable."^[7] Adewojumi Aderemi of The Native described "Somebody's Son" as "a nice upbeat pop number," commending Brandy for her "stunning voice," adding that the collaboration was "perfect" and expressed hope it would "get mainstream attention."^[8] Adanna O of TXT Mag said "Somebody's Son" was "the most upbeat song on [Water & Garri]" yet "the most heartbreaking," explaining that Brandy "really understood the assignment" with "soft, warm and reassuring" vocals and highlighting "Brandy herself singing in Yoruba," concluding that the song felt like "a career highlight both for Tiwa, and dedicated Africans who have followed R&B for years."^[9] Gabriel Myers Hansen characterized it as "a redemption song, an undeniable diva anthem" with "jolly drums and rosy harmonies" and "searing runs over a passionate chorus," noting that it "celebrates the vocal genius of both acts" and concluded that it "faces forward" rather than dwelling on heartbreak.^[10]

The music video for "Somebody's Son" was directed by Meji Alabi and premiered following a YouTube Live event titled Shoot Your Shot Hotline on 12 October 2021.^[11] It features Tiwa Savage braiding Brandy's hair, alongside scenes depicting Black love, familial bonds, and sisterhood. The video includes a father and son with matching durags, a pregnant couple, an engaged couple, and men and boys embracing. Savage described the collaboration with Brandy as a "full-circle moment with [her] all-time idol" and said the song conveys "a message of hope." Brandy performs her verse as she is embraced by Savage and a chestnut-skinned man, and the two appear together in glamour and performance shots.^[12]

In December 2025, Tiwa Savage performed "Somebody's Son" at the WeLoveYa Festival in Cotonou, where she became emotional on stage and briefly paused as she tried to hold back tears. Videos of the performance circulated online, showing fans reacting to her delivery and highlighting the song's themes of love and longing.^[13]

Credits adapted from Apple Music.^[22]

• Tiwa Savage – vocals, songwriting
• Brandy Norwood – vocals, songwriting
• Segun "Mystro" Ajayi – production, songwriting, recording engineering
• Richard "Rich" King – songwriting
• Sunday Adegeye – songwriting
• Oluwatosin Oguntade – songwriting
• Michael "Mike" Manitshana – mixing, mastering
• Peter Gonzales – immersive mixing