Tiwa Savage has spoken candidly about enduring one of the most difficult periods of her life, revealing how she coped with the trauma of a leaked sex tape while mourning the death of her father.
In an interview with British media personality Zeze Mills, posted on YouTube on Friday, August 8, 2025, the Nigerian singer described the 2021 scandal as the darkest point in her career. The tape, released online by someone attempting to blackmail her, went viral in October that year.
“My dad died and my sex tape was released. The only way I could have survived was not to think about it,” the ‘All Over’ hitmaker said.
Savage admitted that the timing of the scandal, coupled with personal grief, tested her resilience. She credited her ability to push through to a deliberate choice to avoid dwelling on the incident.
“Being here on the couch with you is such a blessing,” she told Mills. “Just the fact that you even want to talk to me, people want to hear what I want to say after how many years. It feels good. I’ve gone through so much, but have I really enjoyed the moment?”
Reflecting on her personal life, the 45-year-old singer said her perspective on love had shifted. Looking back on past relationships, including her marriage, she concluded they had been built on infatuation rather than genuine affection.
“I’ve never felt true love except with my son. Looking back at my relationships, even my marriage, I realise it wasn’t love,” she said.
Savage acknowledged that the past few years had been filled with challenges but expressed gratitude for platforms that allow her to share her story in her own words. She said being able to open up was part of her healing process.
The interview offered a rare glimpse into the personal battles of one of Africa’s most celebrated artists, highlighting her journey through grief, scandal, and self-discovery.
