Tiwa Savage: My Ex-Husband Told Me To Slim Down and Wax To Succeed In Nigeria

Afrobeats sensation Tiwa Savage has revealed that she used to be a tomboy until her ex-husband and former manager, Tunji Balogun (a.k.a. Tee Billz), gave her a complete image overhaul.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a recent interview, Tiwa shared that Balogun encouraged her to slim down, hit the gym, and embrace a more glamorous, market-ready appearance to succeed in the Nigerian music industry.

“At first, I went along with the transformation, even though it attracted a lot of criticism,” Tiwa admitted. “But it eventually helped me find my place in the industry.”

She reflected on the backlash following the release of her provocative 2014 music video, Wanted, saying it was her way of rebelling against public narratives that her career was over after marriage.

“There was a lot of talk in the press saying I wasn’t desirable anymore or that I was finished,” she recalled. “I wanted to prove them wrong. Naturally, I’m not even a sexy type. I’m a tomboy. But TJ saw a gap in the market. He told me to lose weight, start waxing, wear wigs, and basically transform into the African Rihanna or Beyoncé.”

Tiwa revealed that before her rebranding, she was just a low-key songwriter in Los Angeles, often dressed in baggy jeans and tees. However, when she returned to Nigeria with her new look, it sparked controversy.

“My fashion choices led to criticism, and at one point, I ran back to L.A. I even remember waiting backstage at shows, only to be denied performance time because of how I dressed. Some would say the governor’s wife didn’t want me on stage. My video for Love Me was even banned on TV at one point.”

She added that rejection from major Nigerian labels like Mo’Hits, EME, and Storm Records nearly discouraged her, until a call from her now-manager Bizzle reignited her confidence.