Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage has opened up about her transformation from a laid-back tomboy to one of Nigeria’s most recognizable sex symbols in the music industry.
Speaking candidly on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast hosted by Joey Akan, Tiwa shared that her now-iconic image didn’t start out as intentional, it was a calculated move shaped by industry demands and her former manager.
Before returning to Nigeria to launch her music career, Tiwa Savage worked behind the scenes as a songwriter in Los Angeles, often spotted in oversized jeans and T-shirts. According to her, her style was far from the glamorous image she is now known for.
“I was naturally a tomboy. I used to work in studios wearing baggy jeans and T-shirts,” she said.
That all changed when Tunji “Teebillz” Balogun, her ex-husband and then-manager, suggested a rebrand. Teebillz believed Tiwa could fill a gap in the market by offering the Nigerian equivalent of Beyoncé or Rihanna—a bold, sultry female performer who wasn’t afraid to embrace her femininity on stage.
“He said, ‘You have to lose weight, go to the gym, wax your brows, wear wigs.’ He basically reshaped my appearance,” she revealed.
The transformation was met with mixed reactions, especially when her 2014 single “Wanted” dropped. The video showcased a daring side of Tiwa that sparked conversations across the country.
“There was a lot of press saying I wouldn’t be desirable anymore because I just got married. I wanted to prove them wrong,” she explained.
However, the new image came with backlash. Tiwa said she faced criticism from event organizers, some of whom reportedly denied her stage access because of her outfits. Her early hit, “Love Me”, was even banned on TV at one point.
“There were times I waited backstage, and they wouldn’t call me up because someone’s wife didn’t want me performing in skimpy clothes,” she said.
Feeling discouraged, she briefly returned to L.A., only to be called back by her team after fans, especially women, began embracing her unique style and voice. Despite being rejected by top Nigerian labels like Storm Records, Mo’Hits, and EME, Tiwa pushed through.
“I knocked on every door and they all said no. But I didn’t give up,” she added.
Today, Tiwa Savage stands tall as a global Afrobeats icon, known not only for her vocal strength but also for her bold fashion and unapologetic confidence.
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