Nigerian music star, Tiwa Savage, has opened up about the emotional pain behind her decision to get a tattoo, revealing that it was inspired by a deeply painful heartbreak she went through two years ago.
In a recent interview with media personality Katy Igwe, the award-winning singer shared personal details about the experience that led her to permanently mark her body. According to Savage, the tattoo was not just a fashion statement but an emotional outlet during one of the most difficult moments in her life.
Tiwa revealed that she didn’t want to get the tattoo in a regular parlour where others could see her pain, so she decided to fly her tattoo artist all the way from Los Angeles to Lagos and had the session done privately in her own room.
“I flew in my tattoo artist from LA to Nigeria. And I did it in my room,” she said.
“So I was in an environment where I was comfortable. When you are in a tattoo parlour, sometimes a lot of people are working and then you are going through that pain. I wanted to make sure I was in a comfortable place.”
The mother of one described the experience as intense and painful, both physically and emotionally. She explained that during the session, there was a lot of blood, and even the tattoo artist was worried about her.
“My tattoo artist walked in and was like, ‘What are you doing? Is that going to come off?’ He started tattooing my body, there was blood everywhere. So he was more concerned for me, like, ‘What are you trying to do?’”
“I did that tattoo from the pain I felt from a heartbreak,” she said.
“I just wanted to do something to scream. Last two years was a very hard time. The relationship I experienced was crazy. I’m so happy I’m out of that relationship.”
Although she did not mention names, fans believe the singer is referring to a past romantic relationship that caused her deep emotional pain. Tiwa Savage has had a number of public and private relationships over the years, and while she keeps most details away from the spotlight, this rare insight into her personal struggle shows a more vulnerable side of the pop diva.
Known for her powerful voice and strong presence on stage, Tiwa’s decision to get tattooed in the privacy of her room highlights how even celebrities need safe spaces to process emotional pain.
While tattoos have become increasingly common among Nigerian celebrities, Tiwa’s story stands out because of the emotional weight attached to hers. She used the moment to channel her pain into something visible — a permanent reminder of what she endured and overcame.
Tiwa Savage’s honesty during the interview has sparked a wave of reactions from fans, many of whom praised her for speaking openly about heartbreak and healing. For some, her story is a reminder that behind the fame and glamour, celebrities are human too and sometimes, they cry, bleed, and seek healing just like everyone else.
