From “Nigeria’s Sweetheart” to “African Bad Girl”: Tiwa Savage Opens Up About Divorce and Its Aftermath

Nigerian music superstar Tiwa Savage has shared a deeply personal and revealing account of the emotional turmoil she experienced following her 2018 divorce from her ex-husband, Tunji ‘TeeBillz’ Balogun. In a candid interview on The Receipts Podcast, Savage detailed the challenges she faced, including postpartum depression, public scrutiny, and criticism from unexpected sources, painting a poignant picture of the emotional toll of divorce and the pressures faced by public figures.

Savage disclosed that the separation, initiated by her ex-husband, was unexpectedly announced online, thrusting her into the harsh glare of public judgment. This public announcement, she revealed, left her vulnerable and exposed to intense scrutiny and criticism. This unexpected and public nature of the split significantly amplified the emotional distress.

Prior to the divorce, Savage enjoyed a positive public image, often referred to as “Nigeria’s sweetheart”. She had meticulously followed societal expectations, completing university, marrying, and having a child within the confines of traditional marriage structures. However, this seemingly “perfect” image shattered after the public announcement of her divorce.

The immediate aftermath was marked by intense public backlash. Savage recounted facing criticism from blogs and even prominent individuals, shifting her perception from beloved public figure to a subject of widespread condemnation. Adding to the emotional strain, she was grappling with postpartum depression and the physical and emotional changes associated with childbirth, leaving her vulnerable and overwhelmed during a period of immense personal upheaval.

The situation was further compounded by the perceived societal expectation for women to remain silent and accept blame in marital conflicts. Savage explained that after sharing her side of the story in an interview, the public backlash intensified, with many blaming her for the breakdown of her marriage. This experience was significantly impactful and shaped her subsequent approach to sharing personal information. She also noted the lack of support she received from many after the split, further isolating her during this difficult period.

This experience, however, served as a catalyst for change in Savage’s life. The combination of postpartum depression, public shaming, and the perceived societal unfairness led to a profound shift in her outlook and public persona. Feeling betrayed and unjustly attacked after adhering to societal norms, she consciously adopted a more rebellious image, characterized by tattoos and bolder clothing choices, embracing the “African Bad Girl” persona as a form of reclaiming her identity and agency. The transformation was a response to the overwhelming negativity she faced. Savage’s story powerfully illustrates the profound impact of public perception, societal pressures, and the emotional toll of navigating highly publicized personal struggles. Her candid account offers a poignant reminder of the complexities of divorce, the importance of self-care, and the courage it takes to reclaim one’s identity after a public trauma.