In a remarkably candid interview, Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has delivered a sobering verdict on her romantic history, revealing that she has experienced only one truly positive relationship in her life.
A History of Heartache and One Shining Exception
The 45-year-old singer, during a conversation with media personality Korty EO, did not hold back in her assessment of her past partners. Tiwa Savage stated there is hardly any past relationship she can reflect on positively, using strong language to express her disappointment. However, amidst this critique, she highlighted a single, profound exception.
"Actually, there is one, but he passed away. May his soul rest in peace. He was incredible," Savage revealed. This poignant admission has led to widespread speculation that she was referring to the late music executive Habeeb Ademola Uthman, popularly known as Obama DMW or '44'.
Remembering Obama DMW: The 'Incredible' Partner
Obama DMW, a close associate of superstar Davido and founder of Obama Music Worldwide (OMW), passed away on 29 June 2021 from suspected heart failure. His death sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Savage's heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram in June 2021 now takes on new meaning. In the lengthy post, she eulogised him as a "brave heart, strong heart, soft heart, kind heart, pure heart, peace maker." She praised his loyalty, writing, "SOMEONE SAID THEY TRIED TO RUIN YOUR REPUTATION BUT YOU SAVED THEIRS BY NOT TELLING YOUR STORY." Her words painted a picture of a deeply respected and cherished individual, aligning with her recent description of him as an "incredible" partner.
Turning Pain into Lessons for Her Son
Drawing from her own tumultuous experiences in love, Tiwa Savage is now focused on guiding her son, Jamil Balogun, whom she shares with ex-husband and music executive Tunji "Tee Billz" Balogun. The couple was married from 2013 until their divorce in 2018.
The award-winning singer is using her past as a teaching tool. "I always tell him, your mum suffered oo, make sure you treat any girl like a queen," she shared in the interview. Savage emphasised her commitment to raising Jamil to be a good man at his core, instilling in him the values of empathy, respect, and kindness towards women.
This raw openness about personal struggle and loss resonates deeply with her fans, showcasing a vulnerability that contrasts with the often-glamorous personas of the entertainment world. Her story is a poignant reminder of love, loss, and the lessons we carry forward.