Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has publicly declared his enduring loyalty to fellow Afrobeats icon Tiwa Savage, effectively ending a year-long feud that had captivated fans and industry insiders alike. During a recent appearance on the popular American radio show The Breakfast Club, Davido made an emotional proclamation about his relationship with Savage, signaling a significant reconciliation between two of Africa’s biggest musical exports.
“Tiwa Savage is my sister for life; I love her and her son. We are family. I will never allow anything to happen to her,” Davido stated emphatically during the interview, referring not only to Tiwa but also to her son Jamil. The statement carries particular weight considering the public nature of their previous falling out, which played out across social media platforms and became one of the most talked-about industry conflicts of 2024.
The rift between the two music powerhouses reportedly began amid Davido’s custody disagreements with Sophia Momodu, the mother of his first child. The situation escalated dramatically when both artists unfollowed each other on Instagram, a move that signaled serious discord in the entertainment industry where social media connections often reflect professional and personal relationships.
The conflict intensified when Tiwa’s former husband and music executive Tunji “Tee Billz” Balogun publicly criticized Davido, accusing him of disrespecting his family and being an absent father. These accusations further strained the relationship between the artists who had previously collaborated and supported each other’s careers for years.
Perhaps most alarming was Tiwa’s formal legal action against Davido, serving him with a Threat to Life letter. In this document, she allegedly detailed instances of bullying behavior from the “Fall” hitmaker, taking what had begun as social media drama into the realm of serious legal concerns.
The public dispute saw many industry colleagues taking sides in the conflict, with several prominent figures openly supporting Tiwa Savage while criticizing Davido for what they characterized as toxic behavior. Former Big Brother Naija contestant Tboss weighed in on the situation, acknowledging that role models can make mistakes while suggesting that past positive actions shouldn’t be entirely discounted despite present controversies.
Industry experts note that the reconciliation, at least from Davido’s side, represents a significant moment for Nigerian entertainment. Music commentator Ademola Johnson observes, “These two artists represent different facets of Nigeria’s global music breakthrough. Their conflict threatened to create lasting divisions within the industry at a time when African music is gaining unprecedented international recognition. Davido’s olive branch potentially heals a wound that could have had long-term consequences.”
The timing of Davido’s declaration is noteworthy, coming during his international press tour following the release of his latest album and his continued expansion into global markets. The Breakfast Club, hosted by Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Angela Yee, represents one of America’s most influential hip-hop platforms, making it a strategic venue for such a public reconciliation attempt.
For those who have followed both artists’ careers, this conflict represented an unexpected rupture in what had been a supportive professional relationship. Davido and Tiwa Savage had previously appeared at each other’s shows, collaborated indirectly through features with common associates, and generally maintained cordial relations as they both helped pioneer Nigeria’s musical expansion onto the world stage.
Tiwa Savage, often referred to as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” has yet to publicly respond to Davido’s declaration of support. Her silence leaves fans wondering whether the reconciliation is mutual or if Davido’s statement represents a unilateral attempt to mend fences.
Cultural commentators have noted that the conflict and potential reconciliation reflect broader themes in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where professional relationships often blend with personal ones, creating complex dynamics that can affect collaboration and industry unity.
What we’re seeing is the maturation of Nigeria’s music industry playing out in real-time,” explains cultural critic Funmi Ogundipe. As these artists achieve international fame, they’re learning that internal conflicts can have implications beyond personal disagreements. They represent not just themselves but an entire cultural movement to global audiences.
Davido’s reference to Tiwa as “sister” and his inclusion of her son Jamil in his declaration of family loyalty carries particular cultural significance in the Nigerian context, where family bonds—both blood and chosen—are held in especially high regard. By framing their relationship in familial terms, Davido appears to be drawing on cultural values that transcend professional disagreements.
Both artists have experienced personal challenges alongside their professional success. Tiwa has navigated life as a single mother while maintaining her position as one of Africa’s most successful female artists. Davido has faced his own struggles, including the devastating loss of his son in 2022 and public scrutiny of his relationships with the mothers of his children.
Music industry insiders suggest that shared experiences of navigating fame, parenthood, and personal loss may ultimately provide common ground for reconciliation between these influential figures.
As news of Davido’s declaration spreads across social media platforms, fan reactions have been mixed. Loyal supporters of both artists express hope for a full reconciliation, while others remain skeptical about whether the rift can truly be healed after such public discord.
Whether this represents a complete resolution or merely the first step in a longer process of rebuilding trust remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Davido has made a deliberate choice to publicly extend an olive branch to someone he once considered family—and whom he now claims to still regard as such, despite their recent difficulties.
For an industry that thrives on collaboration and mutual support, the potential reconciliation between two of its biggest stars signals a possible return to the unity that helped propel Nigerian music to global prominence in the first place.
