Nigerian music superstar Tiwa Savage has opened up about the profound impact her highly publicized divorce had on her personal and artistic evolution, revealing how public scrutiny transformed her from “Nigeria’s sweetheart” into the self-proclaimed “African Bad Girl.” Speaking candidly on The Receipts Podcast, the 44-year-old artist shared intimate details about her 2018 separation from Tunji ‘TeeBillz’ Balogun and its aftermath.
The award-winning singer painted a vivid picture of her pre-divorce life, describing how she had meticulously followed society’s prescribed path – completing university education, getting married, and then having a child. This adherence to traditional values had initially endeared her to the Nigerian public, making her fall from grace particularly challenging when her marriage began to crumble.
The situation took a dramatic turn when TeeBillz chose to air their marital issues on social media, triggering an avalanche of public criticism primarily directed at Savage. The timing couldn’t have been worse, as she was already grappling with postpartum depression and body image issues following the birth of their child. The artist revealed how the public’s reaction to her subsequent attempt to share her side of the story only intensified the backlash.
Particularly poignant was Savage’s revelation about the gender-based criticism she faced. People said, ‘How dare you go and talk?’ I was told I’d never win because I was a woman. It was heartbreaking,” she shared. The experience exposed deeply rooted societal biases, with many holding her, as the woman, solely responsible for the marriage’s failure despite not initiating the public discourse about their problems.
The artist described a stark contrast in support systems during this period, noting how most people gravitated toward her ex-husband while she struggled alone with her emotional battles. Even more telling was the advice she received from prominent figures in the industry, who suggested she maintain silence to protect her reputation – a common expectation placed on women in similar situations.
This period of intense scrutiny and criticism proved transformative for Savage, albeit not in the way her critics might have intended. Rather than being diminished by the experience, she emerged with a bold new persona. The pressure of trying to maintain a perfect image gave way to a more authentic expression of self, manifested through tattoos, daring fashion choices, and an unapologetic attitude.
The evolution from conventional star to “African Bad Girl” wasn’t merely a reactive rebellion but a conscious reclaiming of her narrative. Savage’s transformation challenged traditional expectations of how a female African artist should present herself, particularly after divorce. Her experience highlights the often harsh treatment of women in the public eye who deviate from societal norms, while also demonstrating the potential for personal growth through adversity.
Savage’s revelations offer a compelling glimpse into the intersection of celebrity, gender expectations, and mental health in contemporary African society. Her journey from experiencing depression and public shame to embracing a more liberated version of herself serves as an inspiration for others facing similar struggles with public judgment and societal pressure.
The artist’s candid discussion of her experiences contributes to a broader conversation about divorce stigma, mental health, and women’s autonomy in African society. By sharing her story, Savage not only processes her own journey but also challenges prevailing narratives about divorced women and female artists in the entertainment industry.
As Tiwa Savage continues to evolve as an artist and public figure, her story stands as a testament to the transformative power of adversity and the importance of authentic self-expression, even in the face of public criticism. Her journey from Nigeria’s sweetheart to African Bad Girl represents not just a personal transformation but a challenge to societal expectations of women in the spotlight.
