Key Points:
- Tiwa Savage shared she was never naturally sexy and grew up as a tomboy.
- She said her ex-husband and former manager, Teebillz, helped rebrand her look.
- Despite criticism, she kept going and is now one of Africa’s biggest music stars.
From Tomboy to Trendsetter: Tiwa’s Journey
Nigerian music star, Tiwa Savage, has opened up about her early days before fame. She revealed that she wasn’t always the stylish, sexy diva fans know today. In fact, she used to be a tomboy who wore baggy clothes and didn’t care much about fashion.
Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast with Joey Akan, Tiwa said she looked very different while working as a songwriter in the United States. Back then, she didn’t bother with makeup or stylish outfits. She mostly wore T-shirts and jeans in the studio.
Teebillz Sparked the Big Transformation
Everything changed when she met her ex-husband and former manager, Tunji Balogun, known as Teebillz.
According to Tiwa, he saw potential in her and suggested a major makeover. He told her to lose weight, go to the gym, get her eyebrows done, and wear wigs. He wanted her to look like the African version of Rihanna or Beyoncé.
Tiwa agreed and moved back to Nigeria to start her music career. However, not everyone liked her new look. Some people said her dresses were too short.
At shows, she was even told not to perform because of her outfits. She admitted that this made her feel discouraged, and at one point, she ran back to Los Angeles.
Criticism Didn’t Stop Her Dream
Even though people criticised her fashion, Tiwa didn’t give up. Her music video for the song Wanted came out in 2014 and got people talking. She said it was her way of fighting back against those who said she was no longer desirable after getting married.
Still, her bold style caused trouble. She remembered times when her songs got banned from TV and when top Nigerian record labels like Mo’Hits, Storm Records, and EME turned her down.
She Fought Back and Rose to the Top
Despite all the rejection, Tiwa pushed forward. She kept making music and found fans who truly loved her.
The singer recalled how her manager, Bizzle, called her and said that women were loving her brand. That gave her the strength to return to Nigeria and continue her journey.
Now, Tiwa Savage is one of the biggest names in African music. She proved that with confidence, belief, and hard work, anyone can rise above criticism.
