Nigerian music superstar Tiwa Savage has shared candid insights into the challenges she faced in her early motherhood journey, revealing that she initially struggled to bond with her son.

In an interview with YouTuber Korty EO, Savage admitted that learning she was having a boy instead of a girl left her in tears. She reflected on how the physical changes after childbirth affected her self-image and professional opportunities.

“Honestly, I didn’t connect with my son during the first year or two. I always wanted a girl, and when they told me it was a boy, I started crying. He cried a lot, my body hadn’t bounced back, and I looked awful. I was supposed to do a Pepsi campaign, but they turned me down. I felt like this boy had ruined me. But today, he’s my best friend,” Savage said.

Tiwa also spoke about the values she instills in her son, Jamil Balogun, emphasizing respect and compassion toward women.

“I always tell him, your mum suffered, so make sure you treat any girl like a queen. Raising him to be a kind man is very important. He’ll make mistakes, he’s not perfect, but at his core, I want him to be compassionate,” she explained.

Savage welcomed Jamil in July 2015 with her then-husband, Tunji Balogun. He celebrated his 10th birthday in July 2025, marking a decade of motherhood experiences that shaped her personal and professional life.