Award-winning Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage, has opened up about her struggles with motherhood, revealing that she did not bond with her son, Jamil Balogun, during his early years.
The Afrobeats star shared the personal experience while speaking on the latest episode of Korty EO’s YouTube series.
Tiwa said her initial reaction to motherhood was affected by her strong desire to have a daughter, adding that she was disappointed when she was told she was having a boy.
“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,” she said.
The singer also spoke about how childbirth affected her physically and emotionally, noting that it came with career setbacks at the time.
“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,” Tiwa added.
She, however, said her feelings later changed, describing her son as her closest companion.
“But now, he is my best friend,” she said.
Tiwa Savage, who shares Jamil with her ex-husband, Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun, said motherhood has also shaped how she is raising her son.
“I always tell him, you 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.
Tiwa Savage welcomed Jamil in July 2015, and he turned 10 in July 2025.
