Afrobeats powerhouse and music icon, Tiwa Savage, has finally broken her silence regarding the long-standing feud with fellow Nigerian singer, Seyi Shay, providing fans and the public with a detailed account of the events that led to their infamous 2021 salon confrontation and clarifying misconceptions that have circulated in the entertainment industry for years.
Speaking candidly on the popular talk show, Off Air with Gbemi O and Toolz, Tiwa Savage revealed that the conflict originally stemmed from a diss track coupled with baseless rumors insinuating that she had been sabotaging other female artistes’ careers. She explained that these unverified stories had snowballed over time, creating tension and misunderstanding between her and Seyi Shay, as well as other artists who were reportedly affected by the gossip.
The “Somebody’s Son” singer was quick to dismiss these allegations as entirely false, stressing that she has consistently advocated for women’s empowerment and professional support among female artists in the music and entertainment sector. She emphasized that she has always encouraged collaboration rather than competition and has never intentionally hindered anyone’s progress or opportunities.
Clearing the air on ‘blocked bags’
Tiwa further addressed claims that she had allegedly “blocked bags” for fellow artistes Seyi Shay and Victoria Kimani, describing these accusations as deeply hurtful and entirely unfounded. According to her, the term “blocking bags” is a misunderstanding that inaccurately painted her as someone obstructing others from securing lucrative deals or career opportunities.
“I heard that they thought I blocked their bag. How? If you’ve heard from anybody that I tried to block your bag, mention the person so I can address it,” Tiwa said, expressing her bewilderment and frustration at the circulating falsehoods. To underscore her point, she recalled a personal experience where she lost a significant endorsement deal to Seyi Shay in 2017 due to her pregnancy. “I was taken off the Pepsi campaign when I had Jamil, and Shay was booked for it. So how am I stopping anyone’s bag?” she questioned, highlighting the irony and inaccuracy of the claims against her.
The feud that shook the industry
The public fallout between Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay reached its peak in 2021 during a widely publicized altercation at a Lagos salon. The confrontation, captured on video, quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking intense debate and speculation among fans, industry watchers, and entertainment journalists. The incident became one of the most talked-about moments in Nigerian pop culture, highlighting the pressures and rivalries within the music industry.
While Seyi Shay later indicated attempts to reconcile and move past the incident, Tiwa’s recent clarifications reveal that the root of their misunderstanding was far deeper, fueled by years of accumulated tension, industry gossip, and miscommunication. She expressed a desire to clear her name and provide the public with the real context behind their rift, emphasizing that the feud was never personal but largely driven by external narratives and rumors.
Despite their differences, fans and industry observers continue to hope for a public reconciliation between the two Afrobeats icons, recognizing their immense contributions to modern Nigerian pop music and the potential positive impact of unity among leading female artists in the industry. Tiwa’s revelations may serve as a step toward understanding, healing, and possibly rebuilding professional and personal rapport between her and Seyi Shay.