"I WAS A TOMBOY UNTIL MY EX-HUSBAND REBRANDED ME" - TIWA SAVAGE OPENS UP

Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage recently opened up about her transformation from a tomboy to one of the genre’s most iconic sex symbols, crediting her former manager and ex-husband, Tunji Balogun (Teebillz), for the significant shift in her image.

Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast with Joey Akan, the award-winning singer reflected on her early career, revealing that her style wasn’t always glamorous. During her days as a songwriter abroad, she often wore oversized, baggy clothes and embraced a tomboy persona.

Upon returning to Nigeria to pursue her solo career, Tiwa shared that Teebillz played a key role in redefining her public image. He encouraged her to shed weight, hit the gym, shape her brows, and wear wigs - a total makeover that helped position her as a major female figure in Afrobeats.

Discussing her bold appearance in the music video for her 2024 single “Wanted,” Savage said it felt revolutionary at the time. She recalled that some members of the press had written her off after her marriage, claiming she was no longer desirable or relevant in the music scene.

“In response to that, I wanted to do something daring,” she said. “It wasn’t just about being sexy - because naturally, I’m not. I’m still a tomboy at heart. But I was being rebellious. I wanted to prove that I could still own my space.”

Tiwa’s rebranding journey is a testament to the power of self-evolution and strategy in the entertainment industry.

Credit: Gistlover