Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has shared a deeply personal account of her early experience with motherhood, revealing that she initially struggled to connect with her son after his birth.
In a recent interview with YouTuber Korty EO, the singer admitted that she was not excited when she found out she was having a boy, explaining that she had always hoped for a daughter. According to Savage, the disappointment made it difficult for her to bond with her child during his first two years.
She also reflected on the emotional and professional challenges she faced after childbirth, recalling how changes to her body affected her self-esteem and career. Savage revealed that she was dropped from a brand deal at the time because of her appearance, which left her feeling devastated and resentful.
Opening up about that period, she said, “Honestly, I didn’t bond with my son for the first year or two. I always wanted a girl. They told me it was a boy, and I started crying.
“So, when he came he was always crying and my body didn’t snap back. I looked horrible. I was supposed to do a campaign with Pepsi at the time and they turned me away. And I just thought this boy has destroyed me. But now, he is my best friend.”
Looking back, the award-winning singer said her perspective has completely changed, as her son has grown to become her closest companion. She added that her past experiences in unhealthy relationships have shaped how she is raising him.
According to Tiwa Savage, she constantly reminds her son of the importance of treating women with respect and kindness. “I always tell him, you mum suffered oo, make sure you treat any girl like a queen. It is very important for me to raise him as a good man. He is going to make mistakes, he is not perfect. But at the core of him, I want him to be kind,” she said.
Tiwa Savage welcomed her son, Jamil Balogun, in July 2015 with her former husband, Tunji Balogun. Jamil celebrated his 10th birthday in July 2025, marking a decade since the singer began her journey into motherhood.
