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“I Cried When They Told Me It Was a Boy” — Tiwa Savage Opens Up on Painful Postpartum Struggle and Why She Initially Couldn’t Bond With Her Son

Award-winning Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has shocked fans after making a brutally honest revelation about motherhood, admitting that she was not excited after giving birth and even cried when she found out her baby was a boy.

The singer made the emotional disclosure during a recent interview with popular YouTuber Korty EO, where she spoke candidly about postpartum struggles, career setbacks, and guilt-filled emotions she battled after childbirth.

I Always Wanted a Girl” — Tiwa’s Shocking Confession

According to Tiwa Savage, she had always dreamed of having a daughter, so discovering she was having a son left her overwhelmed and disappointed.

“Honestly, I didn’t bond with my son for the first year or two. I always wanted a girl. They told me it was a boy, and I started crying,” she revealed.

She explained that the emotional disconnect lingered for nearly two years, making it difficult for her to form a strong bond with her child in the early stages.

Postpartum Depression, Body Changes & Career Setback

Tiwa also revealed that childbirth deeply affected her physically and emotionally. She said her body didn’t “snap back” quickly, which took a toll on her confidence and professional life.

At the time, she was reportedly lined up for a major Pepsi campaign, but was dropped because of how childbirth affected her appearance.

“When he came, he was always crying and my body didn’t snap back. I looked horrible. Pepsi turned me away, and I just thought, ‘This boy has destroyed me,’” she said.

The singer admitted that she unfairly blamed her son for the sudden disruption in her career and personal life.

From Pain to Purpose: “He Is My Best Friend Now”

Looking back, Tiwa Savage said her perspective has completely changed. What once felt like loss and frustration has now become the most meaningful relationship in her life.

“But now, he is my best friend,” she said with gratitude.

She described her son as her biggest emotional support and a constant source of joy.

Raising a Gentleman: Tiwa’s Promise to Her Son

Drawing from her own painful experiences in relationships, Tiwa said she is intentional about raising her son to be a kind and respectful man.

“I always tell him, your mum suffered oo. Make sure you treat any girl like a queen,” she said.

She added that while no one is perfect, her priority is to instill kindness, empathy, and respect at the core of who he becomes.

A Decade Later

Tiwa Savage welcomed her son, Jamil Balogun, in July 2015 with her then-husband Tunji Balogun (TeeBillz). Jamil turned 10 years old in July 2025.

Her revelation has since sparked massive reactions online, with many applauding her honesty for shedding light on postpartum depression, gender disappointment, and the hidden struggles of motherhood — topics often ignored or stigmatized.

What do you think about Tiwa Savage’s confession? Honest or too much?

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Ogunsola Gbenga is the Founder and Publisher of NaijaWide Media, the publisher of TheNaijaWide.ng, an independent Nigerian digital news publication covering Nigerian, African and international news.

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