The Formative Influence of TeeBillz
In interviews spanning years, Tiwa Savage has credited her former husband and manager, Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun, with shaping her public persona and confidence:
Upon meeting him in Los Angeles during her music studies, TeeBillz urged her to “lose a little weight, wax your legs” and make a conscious decision about her image—whether to be a sexy siren or a fiercely authentic
He helped mold her into the polished performer we now know, teaching her “how to wear heels” and prioritize branding alongside talent, remarking that “80 % of it is branding.”
Early Identity: The Tomboy Era
Tiwa’s childhood was marked by tomboyish independence—such that her mother once suspected she might be gay.
TeeBillz encouraged her to take whichever identity she chose to the extreme—whether embracing glamour or doubling down on tomboy authenticity.
This process helped her carve a distinctive brand that set her apart in a male-dominated Afrobeats scene.
The Breakup and Public Backlash
Their high-profile marriage ended in divorce in 2018, a split publicly announced by TeeBillz amid Tiwa’s postpartum depression.
The public reaction was harsh: “He announced it online… I was the one being attacked.”
Tiwa faced criticism and backlash, and noted that speaking out exacerbated the negativity.
Reinventing Herself: The “African Bad Girl”
In the aftermath, Tiwa adopted a bolder look and attitude—tattoos, bikinis, shorter skirts—embracing a liberated, unapologetic style.
She describes this phase as both a rebellion and a healing process: “It was an eye-opener for me… it made me depressed… then I became the ‘African Bad Girl.’”
Turning Pain into Art and Growth
Music became her outlet: songs like “All Over” and “Somebody’s Son” channeled her emotional journey through heartbreak, identity, and resilience.
Therapy played a key role in her healing: “I learned to love myself again and not blame myself for things beyond my control.”
The experience helped her prioritize self-love, independence, and mental health.
Why This Resonates
Brand Strategy: It highlights how strategic image-making—aligned with personality and music—is pivotal in modern celebrity branding.
Empowerment: Tiwa’s journey from grooming through love and manipulation to reclaiming autonomy is a stark portrait of transformation.
Cultural Shift: Her metamorphosis helps redefine norms for female artists in Africa—embracing boldness, vulnerability, and reinvention.
