Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage has revisited one of the most difficult chapters of her life — the infamous 2021 leaked tape — revealing that the video was not released by mistake, but was circulated as part of a bet. The singer, who described the incident as a deeply traumatic experience, disclosed that she has chosen celibacy for the past three years as part of her healing journey.
In a candid conversation on The Breakfast Club, the award-winning star admitted that while she initially laughed off the scandal and poured her emotions into her music, the pain cut far deeper than she ever let on. “I was hurt. I was a victim,” she said.
Savage explained that her then-boyfriend first claimed the tape leaked accidentally while trying to save it, but she later discovered it had been shared with friends over a wager. “That made the betrayal even harder to process,” she confessed.
The revelation only added to her frustration as public speculation grew. Many accused the singer of orchestrating the leak as a publicity stunt to stay relevant. Dismissing the claims with humour, Savage remarked, “If I really wanted to do that, trust me, the lighting would have been better.”
Attempts to pursue legal action failed, she said, because reliving the ordeal in court became too overwhelming. Instead, she chose to move on quietly, even as the backlash intensified. The harshest criticism, according to the singer, came from those who questioned her ability to be a good mother. “People said my son would grow up ashamed of me. That broke me more than the tape itself,” she revealed.
The scandal left lasting marks on her artistry. Recording her first album after the leak was emotionally draining, with some tracks taking multiple attempts and others still too painful to perform. “There are songs I can’t listen to without skipping,” she admitted.
Through it all, Savage credits her family, especially her mother, for giving her strength. A reassuring call from her mom telling her to ignore the noise was a lifeline in her darkest moment.
Now, the singer says therapy has become a vital part of her recovery. She has also redefined how she views love and intimacy, admitting she has been celibate for years. “I have to be with someone I truly connect with,” she said with a laugh, adding that she doesn’t even own toys. “Maybe that’s what people should get me for Christmas.”
Despite the scandal, Savage continues to rise as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists, using her voice to transform pain into music while reclaiming her narrative on her own terms.