The Nigerian award-winning performer and Kent alumna seized the opportunity to “be real” during her acceptance speech, thanking the college, her family, and friends for their support.
She listed her accomplishments throughout the years and talked about her shortcomings and bullying. She has two degrees, is the first African woman to get an MTV Europe Music Award, and has been featured in numerous foreign publications.
Savage simply stated that her persistence has been the key to her success.
“And that’s my message to every single one of you today,” Savage said in her speech. “I know that as soon as you walk out this door, you’ll be faced with a plethora of decisions about what to do.
My hope for you is that one day you will address students while standing like this because you too have ventured out into the world, overcame obstacles, and never gave up.
“I want you to make a promise today,” she continued. You will become what God meant you to be on Earth, not to your parents or your closest friends, but to yourself.
Savage continued with a quick performance of the uplifting classic “Optimistic” by Sounds of Blackness
