Tiwa Savage Says Teebillz Helped Transform Her Image
Wafricnews - June 23, 2025
Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has opened up about the major transformation that turned her from a tomboyish songwriter into one of Nigeria’s most iconic female music stars — and she’s giving her ex-husband Tunji “Teebillz” Balogun the credit.
Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has opened up about the major transformation that turned her from a tomboyish songwriter into one of Nigeria’s most iconic female music stars — and she’s giving her ex-husband Tunji “Teebillz” Balogun the credit.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast with Joey Akan, Tiwa revealed that her sultry image — now synonymous with her brand — didn’t come naturally, but was heavily influenced by her former manager and husband, who encouraged her to repackage herself for the Nigerian music scene.
“When TJ met me, I was a songwriter in L.A., just wearing baggy jeans and T-shirts,” she shared. “He literally changed my whole appearance — from going to the gym, waxing my brows, wearing wigs — he said, ‘Let’s give them the African Rihanna or Beyoncé.’”
According to Tiwa, the rebrand was more than just aesthetics. It was a response to the doubters and a calculated attempt to fill what Teebillz saw as a gap in the Afrobeats market.
“I had just gotten married. People were already saying, ‘She’s no longer desirable. Her time has passed.’ So, with ‘Wanted’ [her 2014 single], I decided to be rebellious. Not because I wanted to be sexy — I’ve never even been naturally sexy. But it was my response to the critics.”
Reinvention Meets Resistance
However, her new image wasn’t universally embraced. Tiwa recalled facing backlash in Nigeria over her fashion choices, to the point where she was sometimes denied stage time due to how she dressed.
“I’d be backstage and they wouldn’t call me out to perform. Some governor’s wife would say I couldn’t come on stage in skimpy dresses. ‘Love Me’ was even banned on TV.”
At one point, she left Nigeria entirely, discouraged by the resistance. But a call from her manager, Bizzle, reminding her that “ladies were loving her”, reignited her confidence and brought her back.
Still, she revealed that major Nigerian record labels — including Storm Records, Mo’Hits, and EME — initially rejected her, dismissing her blend of bold fashion and international sound.
From Criticism to Cultural Icon
Despite the pushback, Tiwa Savage emerged as a trailblazer, becoming one of Africa’s most influential female artists and fashion risk-takers. But behind the glam was a strategic, often emotional journey of rebranding, rejection, and resilience.
Tiwa and Teebillz tied the knot in November 2013, welcomed their son Jamal in 2015, and officially ended their marriage in 2018 after public allegations of infidelity and substance abuse from both sides. Despite the fallout, Tiwa’s recent remarks show that she still acknowledges the critical role Teebillz played in shaping her career.
By Wafricnews Desk.
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