Tiwa Savage's marriage: Everything you need to know

Tiwa Savage, a celebrated Nigerian singer and songwriter, has experienced a highly publicised and tumultuous marriage to her former manager, Tunji "Tee Billz" Balogun.

Their union, which began with much fanfare in 2013, quickly unraveled amidst allegations of infidelity, financial mismanagement, and emotional turmoil. As they navigated the complexities of fame and personal struggles, their relationship became a focal point for media scrutiny and public speculation. 

This article discusses the controversies surrounding Tiwa Savage's marriage, the events leading to their divorce, the aftermath, and the ongoing dynamics between the former couple as they co-parent their son, Jamil, in the public eye.

Tiwa Savage’s Timeline

Tiwa Savage and Tee Billz got married in 2013 in a highly publicised ceremony attended by numerous celebrities. Their marriage, however, faced significant challenges almost from the start. 

Vanguard rumoured that their marriage crashed in 2014. This was after she didn't wish him a happy birthday per her tradition. Then, it came to light that Tiwa’s family had admonished Teebillz to stop managing his wife and look for another lucrative job. It was also alleged then that Teebillz was always beating her up and that she had to move out of the house temporarily to stay with a friend. 

Finally, in 2016, Tiwa Savage announced their separation, which was officially confirmed later that year.

Reasons for the Breakup

Rumours about the couple's troubled marriage began circulating as early as 2014, particularly after Tiwa Savage dismissed Tee Billz as her manager. The singer later accused him of a range of issues, including infidelity, drug abuse, financial mismanagement, and emotional abuse. 

In a candid interview with Pulse, she expressed that she had been unhappy for a long time and highlighted a specific incident where Tee Billz's lack of concern for her health following a miscarriage made her realise the marriage was over.

Tee Billz also made serious allegations against Tiwa, claiming she had been unfaithful. He publicly questioned her fidelity, mentioning other artists like Don Jazzy and 2Baba in his accusations. Despite these claims, Tiwa firmly denied ever cheating on him and stated she was willing to take a lie detector test to prove her loyalty.

Post-Divorce Dynamics

Despite their tumultuous relationship, Tee Billz has continued to express support for Tiwa Savage after their divorce. In 2024, he publicly praised her for her feature film "Water & Garri," stating, “Keep shining in grace, Mama J @Tiwasavage. Jamil and I are so proud of you... We love you for free.”

This sentiment reflects a level of mutual respect that has developed post-separation, particularly for the sake of their son, Jamil.

Recent Developments

In July 2024, Tiwa Savage sparked speculation about her relationship status when she posted a video showcasing her gold jewellery, which included what appeared to be a diamond wedding ring and an engagement ring on her fourth finger. 

This led to discussions among fans about whether she had entered a new relationship or was perhaps remarrying.

Finally, Tiwa Savage's marriage to Tee Billz serves as a complex narrative of love, betrayal, and resilience. While their relationship ended amid public scrutiny and personal turmoil, both have found ways to support each other as co-parents.