Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has opened up about the dramatic evolution of her public persona, revealing that she once preferred oversized hoodies and baggy jeans while working as a songwriter overseas. Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, she explained that her image only shifted after she returned to Nigeria to launch her solo career.
According to Savage, her ex‑husband and former manager, Tunji “Teebillz” Balogun, believed the Nigerian music scene lacked a daring female star. He pushed for a complete makeover—insisting on gym sessions, strict dieting, perfectly sculpted brows, and glamorous wigs—to position her as “Africa’s Rihanna or Beyoncé.”
The strategy came to a head with the risqué visuals for her 2024 single “Wanted.” Released shortly after her wedding, the video was designed to silence critics who claimed marriage would dull her appeal. Instead, it ignited controversy: some event organizers barred her from performing in revealing outfits, and the music video for “Love Me” was even pulled from television.
Facing backlash, Savage temporarily retreated to Los Angeles. Encouragement from industry allies convinced her to return, but she still encountered hurdles. Major labels such as Storm Records, Mo’Hits, and Banky W’s EME all declined to sign her before she ultimately found success on her own terms.
Today, Savage credits that tumultuous period—and the calculated image overhaul—for carving out the fearless stage persona that fans now recognize worldwide.
Check out video below …
“That was terrible… Naturally, I’m a tomboy.”
Tiwa Savage revisits the backlash she got for Wanted video. pic.twitter.com/NEMF7cOtdX
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) June 20, 2025
Source: NewsandVibes.com
