Tiwa Savage Reveals Divorce Struggles: “It Made Me Depressed and Turned Me Into the ‘African Bad Girl'”

Nigerian music sensation Tiwa Savage has opened up about her turbulent divorce from Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun, sharing deeply personal insights about the emotional toll it took on her life and career.

Speaking candidly on The Receipts Podcast, the 44-year-old Afrobeat star reflected on the heartbreak of her 2018 separation, which she revealed was exacerbated by her struggles with postpartum depression and public backlash.

“I Was Nigeria’s Sweetheart”
Tiwa described how her rise to fame was met with widespread admiration, as she followed what she called the “perfect path” of societal expectations.

“When I started, I was Nigeria’s sweetheart. I could do no wrong. I went to university, got married, had a baby — everything by the book. But then everything came crashing down, and I became the target of criticism,” she said.

The separation, which TeeBillz announced online, marked a turning point in Tiwa’s life. Despite not initiating the breakup, she recalled being vilified in the media and by the public.

“I Was Told I’d Never Win”

Tiwa revealed how the overwhelming criticism pushed her into a dark place. “At the time, my baby was just a few months old, and I was already dealing with postpartum depression. My body wasn’t the same, and I was depressed. But instead of support, people attacked me,” she shared.

After attempting to tell her side of the story in a public interview, she faced even more backlash.

“People said, ‘How dare you go and talk? You’re a woman, and you’re supposed to hold the home together.’ Famous people called to tell me I’d never win, and it was my fault because I was a woman. It was heartbreaking,” Tiwa recounted.

Reinvention as the “African Bad Girl”
The constant criticism and emotional pain led Tiwa to transform her image and embrace a bolder persona.

“It made me depressed for so long, but it also made me angry. I thought to myself, ‘If I did everything right and still got attacked, why should I bother?’ That’s when I became the ‘African Bad Girl,’” she said.

Tiwa explained how she began to rebel against societal norms, opting for tattoos, shorter skirts, and bikinis. “I was just wild. It was my way of coping and reclaiming control of my life after being judged for so long,” she added.

Despite the challenges, Tiwa’s resilience and reinvention have made her an enduring icon in the global music scene, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in African entertainment.

The revelations highlight not only the personal cost of fame but also the cultural pressures that women in the spotlight often endure. Through it all, Tiwa continues to inspire, proving that reinvention is a powerful tool for survival and success.

*Aliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors*

By Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

The much-anticipated movie series Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo has finally premiered, currently showing on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters.

The movie begins with a haunting scene of seven women under a mysterious spell leaping to their deaths from a waterfall, setting the tone for a gripping tale that unravels in Ilara Kingdom.

The series explores various societal issues, including corruption, greed, gluttony, family values, malicious conspiracies, and the delicate balance of law and order.

Central to its plot is the calamitous fate of Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara, whose failure to perform traditional rites—symbolised by knocking on seven doors—unleashes devastating consequences on his kingdom.

At the heart of this chaos is Esusu, a malevolent and exiled villain whose return wreaks havoc.

Esusu, a ni ohun t’Eledumare o ni.
Eledumare o ni ika, ika ni Esusu

The character of Esusu, pivotal to the story’s depth, is masterfully brought to life by Aliu Gafar.

Gafar’s first appearance, late in Episode 2, immediately shifts the narrative, introducing a chilling force that spares no one, not even the royal family. His commanding portrayal encapsulates the essence of Esusu, a man whose wickedness defies comprehension.

The backstory reveals Esusu’s sinister pact with Ọba Adejuwọn, an ancestor of Adedunjoye.

Desperation led Adejuwon to seek Esusu’s help to evade death—a move that came at an unthinkable cost, forgetting that bi alọ ba lọ, abọ nbọ (a pendulum that swings to is still coming to swing fro).

Esusu’s return demanded not only royal treatment but the freedom to live as he pleased, challenging the very fabric of the kingdom.

Gafar embodies this complex character with remarkable precision, delivering a performance that is both chilling and unforgettable.

With almost two decades in Nollywood, Aliu Gafar has solidified his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor.

His extensive filmography includes acclaimed productions such as Jagun Jagun, Anikulapo, Iyalode, Eefin, and Omo Ajele.

His role in Seven Doors further cements his legacy as a master of his craft, showcasing his ability to seamlessly portray multifaceted characters.

The Yoruba actor has also garnered accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards for his role in Peregun.

His commitment to the industry and his talent for captivating performances continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood.

In Seven Doors, Gafar’s nuanced performance as Esusu elevates the series, demonstrating his ability to command attention and bring depth to a complex narrative.

His contribution to the Nigerian film industry remains invaluable, and his portrayal of Esusu is a testament to his enduring excellence.

Bullion Records Officially Commissions New Music House in Lagos

One of Nigeria’s leading music labels, Bullion Records, has taken a significant step in its journey of redefining the Afrobeat music industry with the commissioning of its state-of-the-art Music House. The grand ceremony, held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 29 Abebi Close, Goodwill Estate, Bemil, Ojodu Abiodun, Berger, Lagos, was a star-studded affair graced by notable personalities, well-wishers, and media representatives.
Ogun State chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Barrister Femi Aina, officially inaugurated the facility by cutting the ribbon. He was joined by key dignitaries, including the NNPP’s Ogun State Public Relations Officer, Comrade Omokehinde Olowu; the convener of the Ajadi Independent Movement (AIM), Hon. Idowu Shola Imoleayo; and the Ogun State Secretary, Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo.

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, CEO of Bullion Records, expressed his gratitude and excitement during the event. He described the Music House as a dream realized, emphasizing the label’s dedication to fostering creative excellence.

“This Music House represents our commitment to providing a platform where talents can thrive and Afrobeat can continue to flourish globally,” Ajadi said. “Bullion Records is more than a music label; it is a family, a movement, and a force for positive change in the entertainment industry. We are proud to unveil this facility as a hub for creativity and innovation.”
The Managing Director of Bullion Records, Mr. Elegbede Ajibola, also highlighted the significance of the Music House. “This is a new chapter in our journey. The Music House will not only serve as a recording studio but also as a center for nurturing and promoting exceptional talents. We are excited about the possibilities it holds for the future of Afrobeat,” he stated.

The event was hosted by popular comedians MC Emmer and African Pencil G, while comedian MC Kirikiri entertained the dignitaries and guests with his humor. DJ Dr. Step, and DJ Danny Yankee of LASU FM curated the music policy for the night, setting an energetic and celebratory tone throughout the event.

Guests were further captivated by electrifying performances from Bullion Records’ star artistes. Harcher, the label’s newly signed 20-year-old Afrobeat sensation, delivered an unforgettable performance alongside Kingsley Fortune, popularly known as GyC, the label’s senior act. The duo thrilled the audience with their hit tracks, showcasing the label’s dedication to producing quality music.

In his remarks, Harcher expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to be part of Bullion Records, calling it a family that supports his passion and vision. “This is not just a music house; it is the home of dreams. I’m grateful to be part of this journey, and I promise to make my fans and the label proud,” he said.

GyC, who has been a pivotal figure in the label’s success, also shared his excitement about the new development. “Bullion Records has always set the standard for excellence, and this Music House is a testament to that. It is a space where creativity will thrive, and I am proud to be part of this historic moment,” GyC said.

The event drew significant media attention, with Soundcity TV, a prominent Nigerian lifestyle and music channel, in attendance alongside other reputable media houses.

The ceremony ended on a high note, with well-wishers applauding Bullion Records’ innovative vision and commitment to uplifting the Afrobeat genre globally.