Tiwa Savage Reveals Painful Truth Behind 2021 Leaked Tape Scandal
Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage has finally spoken out on the infamous 2021 leaked tape scandal, revealing that the video’s release was not an accident but part of a shocking bet made by her then-boyfriend with his friends.
The Nigerian superstar, known for hits like Kele Kele Love and her trailblazing role in Afrobeats, described the incident as one of the darkest moments of her life. Speaking during a heartfelt conversation on the podcast The Truth with Dudu, Savage disclosed that the betrayal left lasting scars and pushed her into three years of celibacy.
At the time of the leak, her boyfriend had told her the explicit clip — which captured an intimate moment between them — was accidentally sent while he tried to save it on a friend’s phone. She said she later discovered the shocking reality: it was all part of a careless wager with his friends. The revelation shattered her trust and deepened her pain.
The scandal sent shockwaves across Nigeria and the global entertainment industry. Savage was not only ridiculed online but also accused of releasing the tape herself as a publicity stunt to revive her career. Trolls mocked the poor quality of the video, suggesting she orchestrated it. Reacting to these claims, Tiwa said with a touch of humor, “If I wanted to do that for PR, trust me, I would have had better lighting.”
However, the criticism went beyond her music career and struck at her personal life. Many online users dragged her then 9-year-old son, Jamil, into the scandal, calling her an unfit mother and predicting that he would grow up ashamed of her. Tiwa admitted that this aspect of the backlash hurt her even more than the scandal itself.
“They brought my son into it and said I was unfit… they said he’s going to see this and be disappointed in his mom. That hurt me more than the actual thing,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion during the podcast.
Though she initially considered legal action against those responsible for the leak, the process proved too emotionally draining. “We tried, actually. But it was just too traumatic for me to keep talking about it. I just wanted to move on,” she explained.
Support from her family, particularly her mother, helped her weather the storm. In one memorable call, her mother told her: “Don’t listen to them… I’m just happy you’re enjoying yourself.” Tiwa said that reassurance gave her the strength to reclaim her narrative and continue living unapologetically.
The ordeal has since reshaped Tiwa Savage’s outlook on relationships and intimacy. She admitted to going without intimacy for nearly three years, stressing that she now requires deep emotional connection before becoming vulnerable again. With humor, she added, “I don’t have toys… maybe that’s what people should get me for Christmas.”
The singer also highlighted therapy as a key part of her healing journey. While some critics told her therapy was a waste of money, she insisted it was necessary for her peace of mind. “I love my son, I love my team, my friends. I’ve been married before. I’m 45, I’m good,” she declared, showing resilience despite the painful chapter.
Tiwa Savage’s revelation not only sheds light on the betrayal she endured but also highlights her strength, self-awareness, and determination to move forward with dignity.
