Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has recently opened up about her divorce from her ex-husband, Tunji Balogun, widely known as TeeBillz. In a candid interview on The Receipts Podcast, she addressed the circumstances surrounding their separation, shedding light on her emotional turmoil during that period.
TeeBillz publicly announced their divorce on social media in 2018, a move that took many by surprise. Tiwa revealed that this announcement came at a particularly vulnerable time for her, as she was grappling with postpartum challenges following the birth of their son. She emphasized that she did not initiate the breakup, stating, “I did not break up with him, but I was the one being attacked.”
During the interview, Tiwa elaborated on the emotional impact of TeeBillz’s announcement. She explained that while she was navigating the complexities of postpartum recovery and depression, the public fallout intensified her struggles. “My baby was just a few months old at that time. My body wasn’t the same because I was dealing with postpartum and depression. Only a few people came to see me. Everyone went to him,” she shared.
This period was particularly isolating for Tiwa, as she felt abandoned by those around her, who seemed to rally in support of TeeBillz instead. The situation worsened after she attempted to share her side of the story in an interview, which led to public backlash. She recounted how many people criticized her, saying, “They were like, ‘How dare you go and talk? You are a woman, and you are supposed to build the house. It’s your fault.’”
The public’s reaction deeply affected Tiwa, leading her to a place of heartbreak and frustration. “It was very heartbreaking how the public blamed me. Ever since then, I was like, ‘I won’t ever talk about the situation.’ It was an eye-opener for me,” she reflected. The emotional toll resulted in prolonged feelings of depression and anger, which she channeled into her public persona.
In response to the negativity, Tiwa adopted a more rebellious image, embracing her identity as the “African Bad Girl.” She began to express herself through fashion choices, such as getting tattoos and wearing bikinis and short skirts, as a way to reclaim her narrative and assert her individuality.
Tiwa Savage’s revelations highlight the complexities of navigating personal relationships in the public eye, especially when compounded by societal expectations and judgments. Her story serves as a reminder of the emotional struggles many face during difficult times, and her journey reflects resilience in the face of adversity.
