Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has spoken candidly about one of the most painful periods of her life the release of her leaked intimate tape in 2021, which coincided with the death of her father.
In a heartfelt interview with British media personality Zeze Mills, published on YouTube on Friday, August 8, 2025, the All Over hitmaker revealed that the scandal and personal loss collided to create what she described as “the darkest chapter” of her career.
“My dad died, and my sex tape was released. The only way I could survive was to not think about it,” Tiwa shared, explaining that she deliberately chose to avoid dwelling on the incident to protect her mental and emotional well-being.
Despite the immense pressure and public scrutiny, Tiwa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak openly about her experiences. She called the interview “a blessing” as it allowed her to reflect on her journey after enduring years of personal and professional challenges.
“Just the fact that you even want to talk to me, that people still want to hear from me after all these years, feels good,” she said. “I’ve gone through so much, but have I really enjoyed the moment?”
The 45-year-old singer, who has been a trailblazer in putting Nigerian music on the global stage, also touched on her personal relationships. She admitted that what she once believed was love in past relationships, including her marriage, she now recognises as infatuation.
“I’ve never felt true love except with my son,” Tiwa said, noting that repeated heartbreaks have made her question whether romantic love is meant for her. “Maybe love isn’t for me in this lifetime.”
Tiwa’s resilience has been a defining trait throughout her career, and her openness about her struggles adds another layer to her artistry. By sharing her truth, she continues to inspire fans who see her as not just a music icon, but a woman who has faced adversity with strength and authenticity.