LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has ignited a wave of public reaction after revealing she is open to becoming a second wife, citing the marital status and age of most men she encounters.
Speaking on the American podcast Air Service, the award-winning singer said that many of her potential suitors are either already married or in their 50s, prompting her to reconsider traditional expectations around marriage.
“If I meet somebody who can really marry me, they are either in their 50s or already married,” Savage said. “So, I don’t know. Maybe I can be a second wife. I think so. I could be a second wife.”
The 43-year-old mother of one added that she would not be a disruptive presence in a polygamous household. “I think I can go along with the first wife and she’s going to love me because I’m not going to be troublesome,” she said. “I’m going to be going on tours, I’m not really going to stress you. I’m very respectful.”
Her comments have sparked intense debate across social media, with some praising her honesty and others criticizing the normalization of polygamy among celebrities. Savage herself acknowledged the potential backlash, saying, “I feel like a lot of women are going to have a problem with me saying that.”
The singer’s remarks come amid broader conversations about evolving relationship norms in African societies, where polygamy remains legal in many regions but is increasingly contested in urban and elite circles.
Savage’s openness about her dating challenges also touched on her discomfort with being seen as a “sugar mama,” a label she said doesn’t reflect her true desires. “I’m like a sugar mama, but I don’t want to be,” she admitted during the podcast.
Known for her chart-topping hits and global tours, Savage has long been a symbol of female empowerment in the Nigerian music industry. Her latest comments, however, suggest a more nuanced view of personal fulfillment and partnership.
While some fans have applauded her vulnerability, others argue that public figures should be cautious about endorsing non-traditional marital arrangements, especially in societies grappling with gender equity and family stability.
Savage was previously married to music executive Tunji Balogun, with whom she shares a son. The couple divorced in 2018.
