Dare Babalola
Nigerian songstress Seyi Shay has extended an olive branch to her estranged colleague Tiwa Savage, signaling a potential thaw in their previously strained relationship and paving the way for a possible reconciliation.
Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay’s beef reportedly started around 2015, when they were both brand ambassadors for a major soft drink brand. The tension escalated in 2019 with Seyi Shay’s participation in Kizz Daniel’s #FvckYouChallenge, which Tiwa Savage perceived as a diss track.
The root cause of their feud, however, is believed to be an affair between Seyi Shay’s former personal assistant and Tiwa Savage’s ex-husband, TeeBillz. Seyi Shay recently revealed she was unaware of the affair until her former assistant apologised years later, saying she was the reason for their rift.
Their public clash at a Lagos salon in June 2021 was a culmination of these unresolved issues. Tiwa Savage has since addressed the feud, denying accusations of blocking opportunities for other female artistes and expressing willingness to reconcile with Seyi Shay.
Speaking to Punch on Saturday, Seyi Shay said she is open to either a private or public reconciliation process with her colleague.
“Life is too short for lingering tension. If having that conversation helps heal narratives and sets a better example for women in music, I’m open to it, whether privately or publicly. I believe that reconciliation and mutual respect are powerful. We’ve both come a long way, and I think there’s strength in showing that women can rise above old narratives,” Shay said.
Speaking on their rift, Shay said, “That period was purely a brand decision, not a personal one. I have never had any reason to celebrate another woman’s challenge or misfortune. I respect Tiwa’s journey deeply. She’s an incredible artiste and a trailblazer. There’s no bad blood on my end; only respect and acknowledgment of her contribution to the industry. Sometimes, people like to create tension where there’s none, but I prefer to keep my energy positive and professional.”
On whether the issues between could have been handled differently, she said, “Absolutely. We were both under pressure and navigating a very competitive industry. When emotions run high, it’s easy to miscommunicate or react defensively. Time and maturity have given both of us a clearer perspective. If I could go back, I would choose communication over confrontation. That’s the beauty of growth; you look back and see how much you’ve learnt.”
