I Didn’t Bond With My Son for Two Years Because I Always Wanted a Girl — Tiwa Savage

In a deeply personal interview that has captured the attention of fans worldwide, Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage recently shared the raw reality of her journey into motherhood.

Speaking with Korty EO in an episode aired on January 18, 2026, the “Queen of Afrobeats” admitted that the first two years of her son Jamil’s life were marked by emotional distance and career-related heartbreak.

A Difficult Beginning

While many expect an instant connection between mother and child, Tiwa Savage revealed that her experience was far from the “storybook” beginning. The singer candidly confessed that she had been hoping for a daughter and was devastated when she learned she was having a boy.

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

The lack of an immediate bond was further complicated by the physical and emotional toll of postpartum life.

Tiwa described Jamil as a baby who “was always crying,” making the adjustment to her new role even more taxing.

Career Heartbreak and Physical Toll

Beyond the emotional struggle, Savage detailed how motherhood momentarily derailed her professional momentum.

During a period where her body didn’t “snap back” as quickly as she hoped, she faced rejection from major brands.

● The Pepsi Campaign: Savage revealed she lost a major deal with Pepsi because of changes in her appearance following the birth.

● The “Destroyed” Feeling: Feeling “horrible” about her physical state and losing lucrative opportunities, she admitted to thinking, “This boy has destroyed me.”

From Struggles to “Best Friends”

Despite the rocky start, the narrative of their relationship has shifted entirely.

Today, Tiwa describes Jamil as her “best friend,” highlighting the profound growth they have experienced together over the last decade.

Now, her focus has shifted toward raising him with a strong moral compass. Influenced by her own past experiences and the hardships she endured, she is intentional about teaching Jamil how to value and respect women.

“I always tell him, ‘Your mum suffered oo, make sure you treat any girl like a queen.’ It is very important for me to raise him as a good man,” Savage shared.

While she acknowledges he won’t be perfect, her ultimate goal is for him to remain kind at his core—a testament to the healing and strength found in their now-unbreakable bond.