Multi-award-winning Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage is opening up about the profound impact her divorce had on her career, revealing how in an instant, she went from being Nigeria’s sweetheart to a villain, with many blaming her for the split.
In a recent interview on the Receipts podcast, Tiwa explained why she had never spoken publicly about the divorce until now—because of the harsh public reaction when the story first broke.
The “Who Is Your Guy” hitmaker parted ways with her husband of five years, entertainer and talent manager Tunji Balogun, also known as Tee Billz. The couple, who share a son, were together from 2013 until their marriage ended in 2018.
Recalling her rise to fame, Tiwa said, “When I came out and had my breakthrough, I was Nigeria’s sweetheart… when I started, I could do no wrong in Nigerians’ eyes.”
She continued, “I did everything by the book. I went to university, I wasn’t a baby mama, I got married, then I had a baby… so I did everything in the right order, and everybody loved me, and then everything happened.”
The singer revealed that the public blamed her for the divorce, even though it was Tee Billz who publicly announced the separation.
She described how her life was turned upside down, with constant phone calls from people offering unsolicited advice on how she should handle the situation.
Tiwa recalled, “I remember famous people calling me to ask how I could tell my side of the story because I would never win. Ever since then, I was like I won’t ever talk about the situation because it was very heartbreaking how the public took it.”
Despite the advice to stay silent, Tiwa chose to address the rumors, but in hindsight, she felt it only fueled the public’s anger toward her.
“After I did an interview trying to tell my side of the story, things got worse. People were like, ‘How dare you go and talk? You are a woman, and you are supposed to build the house! It’s your fault,’” she shared.
Tiwa expressed her confusion over the situation, saying that although Tee Billz was the one who initiated the breakup, she was the one who bore the brunt of the blame.
“He actually announced it online. I didn’t break up with him, but I was the one being attacked. My baby was just a few months old, and I was dealing with postpartum, my body wasn’t the same, and I was really depressed. Everyone went to him, and only a few people came to see me,” she said emotionally.
Reflecting on the media’s role, Tiwa also spoke about how certain online publications joined in on the public shaming.
“Then I started getting hate from blogs and I started getting hate from certain people as well. And that is how our situation happened,” she said, highlighting the malicious headlines that only worsened her emotional pain.
Tiwa’s candid reflection on the painful chapter of her life serves as a reminder of the emotional toll that public scrutiny can have on personal relationships and mental health.
The iconic Nigerian afrobeat star Tiwa Savage opened up about her views on relationships and what truly matters to her when it comes to deal breakers.
Speaking on The Receipts podcast, the 44-year-old singer revealed that infidelity isn’t a deal breaker for her, sharing that she has never ended a relationship purely because of cheating.
Instead, Tiwa explained that issues like drug abuse, emotional neglect, and being ghosted are what truly push her to walk away.
“I’ve never left a man because he cheated on me. I’ve left due to deeper reasons like drug abuse, emotional abuse, and being ghosted,” she shared candidly.
Tiwa Savage shared her belief that the timing of her career breakthrough was part of a divine plan. In a recent episode of The Receipts podcast, the 44-year-old singer revealed that she believes God delayed her success to inspire others, especially young women uncertain about their future.
“I feel like God has done this on purpose,” Tiwa said. “God delayed my success for a purpose. I started succeeding in my thirties.”
Her journey, she explained, serves as encouragement for women who may feel pressured to achieve success early. “It’s to bless that 25-year-old girl who’s scared about what the future holds,” she said. “If she sees that I started in my thirties, she’ll know she still has time.”
Tiwa, who gained global recognition in her thirties, has become one of Africa’s most celebrated female artistes, offering hope that success can come at any stage of life.
