Award-winning Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has opened up about the emotional challenges she faced after becoming a mother, revealing that she initially struggled to bond with her son, Jamil.
Speaking during an interview with YouTuber Korty EO, the music star disclosed that she had always hoped to have a daughter and was overwhelmed with disappointment when she learned she was expecting a boy.
According to her, the revelation affected her emotionally and made the early years of motherhood difficult.
Savage recalled that she cried when the baby’s gender was revealed and admitted that the lack of excitement carried on even after childbirth.
She said the physical changes she experienced after delivery, combined with career setbacks, left her feeling frustrated and disconnected for nearly two years.
“I didn’t bond with my son for the first year or two. I always wanted a girl. When they told me it was a boy, I started crying,” she said.
“After he was born, my body didn’t snap back, I didn’t look good, and I was dropped from a Pepsi campaign.
“At the time, I felt like this boy had destroyed my career.”
Looking back, however, the singer said her perspective has completely changed.
Tiwa Savage’s Son
She described her son as her closest companion and said motherhood has become one of the most fulfilling parts of her life.
Savage also revealed that her personal experiences in unhealthy relationships have influenced how she raises her son.
She said she constantly teaches him to treat women with respect and kindness.
“I always tell him, your mum suffered, so make sure you treat any girl like a queen. I want to raise him to be a good man.
“He’s not perfect, but at his core, I want him to be kind,” she added.
Tiwa Savage welcomed her son, Jamil Balogun, in July 2015 with her former husband, music executive Tunji Balogun. Jamil turned 10 years old in July 2025.
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