Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has disclosed that her strong preference for a girl child created significant emotional barriers that prevented her from bonding with her son, Jamil Balogun, during the first two years of his life.
The 45-year-old singer made the revelation during an appearance on the FlowWithKorty podcast, where she opened up about her postpartum struggles, the impact of motherhood on her career, and her determination to raise her son as a respectful and compassionate man.
Savage, who welcomed Jamil in 2015 during her marriage to talent manager Tunji ‘TeeBillz’ Balogun, said learning the gender of her unborn child during pregnancy brought profound disappointment. She recounted how the news left her in tears and set the stage for a difficult emotional journey in the early years of motherhood.
“Honestly, I didn’t bond with my son for the first year or two. I always wanted a girl. They told me it was a boy, and I started crying,” the singer said.
She went on to describe the compounding challenges that followed Jamil’s birth, including the physical toll of postpartum recovery and the drastic changes to her body, which she said did not “snap back” as she had hoped. These changes, she revealed, had serious professional consequences at a time when her career was gaining significant momentum.
“So, when he came he was always crying and my body didn’t snap back. I looked horrible. I was supposed to do a campaign with Pepsi at the time and they turned me away. And I just thought this boy has destroyed me. But now, he is my best friend,” Savage disclosed.
The loss of the high-profile endorsement deal, combined with the physical and emotional demands of new motherhood, left the singer feeling as though her son had derailed her career. It is a candid admission that sheds light on the pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry, where physical appearance and brand image often play central roles in commercial opportunities.
Tiwa Savage’s marriage to Tunji Balogun, popularly known as TeeBillz, lasted from 2013 to 2018. The union, which was highly publicised, ended amid public disputes and allegations that played out on social media and in the press. Jamil remains the couple’s only child.
In the years since, Savage has rebuilt her career and reclaimed her position as one of Africa’s leading female artists, with international collaborations and a global fanbase. She has also become a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and mental health awareness, frequently using her platform to address difficult personal experiences.
During the podcast interview, Savage spoke at length about her evolving relationship with her son, describing him as her “best friend” and expressing deep commitment to shaping his character and values. She said she is particularly focused on teaching Jamil to treat women with respect and kindness, drawing on her own difficult experiences in past relationships.
“I always tell him, your mum suffered oo, make sure you treat any girl like a queen. It is very important for me to raise him as a good man. He is going to make mistakes, he is not perfect. But at the core of him, I want him to be kind,” she said.
The singer also reflected on her romantic history, revealing that aside from one late partner, she has found little to celebrate in her past relationships. She described the majority of her former partners in unflattering terms, while paying tribute to a man she said was “incredible” but who has since passed away.
“There is hardly any relationship I would look back at and see anything positive. They are all d***! Actually, there is one, but he passed away. May his soul rest in peace. He was incredible,” Savage said.
The revelations have sparked widespread conversation on social media, with many praising the singer for her honesty and vulnerability. Mental health advocates and parenting experts have also weighed in, highlighting the importance of open discussions around postpartum depression, maternal expectations, and the pressures placed on women to balance career ambitions with motherhood.
Postpartum depression and bonding difficulties are recognised medical and psychological conditions that affect a significant number of new mothers worldwide. Health professionals have long called for greater awareness and support systems to help women navigate the emotional and physical challenges that can follow childbirth.
Tiwa Savage’s willingness to speak openly about her struggles adds to a growing body of public testimony from high-profile women in entertainment, politics, and other fields who have challenged the stigma surrounding maternal mental health and the unrealistic expectations placed on women’s bodies and careers.
The singer’s story also underscores the intersection of personal identity, societal expectations, and professional demands in the lives of female entertainers, particularly in industries where youth, beauty, and physical appearance are heavily commodified.
