Award-winning Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has shared new details about the circumstances surrounding the leak of her private video, saying the incident stemmed from a painful betrayal by someone she trusted.

Speaking during a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, the Afrobeats star said she later discovered that the video was leaked as part of a bet involving her then-boyfriend and his friends.

Photo: Instagram/@Tiwasavage

“Apparently, it was a dare between him and his friends,” Savage said, explaining that she learned the truth later. She recalled that her former partner had initially told her the video was accidentally posted while he was trying to save it from Snapchat, but she eventually found out that was not what happened.

Reflecting on the experience, the singer said the revelation left her questioning whether the relationship had been genuine from the beginning.

Photo: Instagram/@Tiwasavage

“It made me think, ‘Was this person genuine from the beginning?'” she said, adding that the betrayal was more painful because it came from someone she trusted.

Savage admitted that, for a long time, she tried to hide how deeply the incident affected her.

“I never really dealt with it. I made jokes about it and even put it in my music, but I was actually a victim,” she said, explaining that she now recognises the emotional impact the incident had on her.

The singer also dismissed claims that the leak was a publicity stunt, insisting she would never deliberately put herself through such an experience. She added that pursuing legal action became emotionally exhausting because it meant repeatedly reliving the ordeal.

Photo: Instagram/@Tiwasavage

Savage revealed that the experience has also changed how she approaches her personal life. She explained that she is now more cautious about privacy and avoids meeting romantic partners in places where she cannot control the environment, citing concerns about hidden cameras and the need to protect herself and her family.

The private video first surfaced online in 2021 after Savage revealed she was being blackmailed over the clip. At the time, she refused to pay those demanding money to stop its release, saying she would not allow herself to be controlled through extortion.

Years after the incident, Savage says she now recognises the emotional toll it took on her, describing herself as a victim and reflecting on how the experience changed the way she approaches trust, privacy and relationships.

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Fans have their first official look at Children of Blood and Bone, as Entertainment Weekly released a collection of official images from the highly anticipated fantasy film. The photographs offer the first glimpse of the cast in character, introducing audiences to the Kingdom of Orïsha and the major figures who will bring Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel to the big screen.

The newly released images offer a closer look at the world of Orïsha and some of its central characters. Thuso Mbedu appears as Zélie Adebola with her distinctive white hair and simple earth-toned clothing, reflecting the character’s humble background. Regina King is introduced as Queen Nehanda, seated on an ornately carved throne in royal attire, while Chiwetel Ejiofor makes his first appearance as King Saran in dark ceremonial robes. Another image features Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea in battle armour, reinforcing the character’s military role. The photographs also reveal wide desert landscapes, large palace interiors and African-inspired architecture that shape the setting of the film.

Photo: Instagram

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the adaptation is based on Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 novel, the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. Set in a fictional African-inspired kingdom, the story follows Zélie Adebola as she embarks on a dangerous journey to restore magic after it is wiped out by a ruthless monarchy.

Leading the cast is South African actress Thuso Mbedu as Zélie, alongside Tosin Cole as her older brother, Tzain. Amandla Stenberg stars as Princess Amari, while Damson Idris plays Prince Inan. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Regina King portray King Saran and Queen Nehanda, the rulers whose actions shape the fate of Orïsha.

Photo: Instagram

The ensemble also includes Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Temi Fagbenle, Bukky Bakray, Zackary Momoh, Saniyya Sidney, Diaana Babnicova, Pamilerin Ayodeji, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde and Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, who makes her feature film debut. The cast has attracted attention since it was announced, bringing together award-winning actors and emerging talent from across Africa, the United States.

Children of Blood and Bone is scheduled to be released in cinemas on January 15, 2027, with Paramount Pictures distributing the film worldwide.

Photo: Instagram

With the first-look images now public, audiences have their earliest view of how key characters such as Zélie, King Saran, Queen Nehanda and Admiral Kaea will appear on screen. The images also provide an early look at the film’s costume design, production design and the visual interpretation of Orïsha ahead of its release.

See more photos below:

Photo: Instagram

Photo: Instagram

Photo: Instagram

Senegalese-American singer and music executive Akon has opened up about how his professional relationship with Wizkid began, crediting Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Banky W for introducing him to the Afrobeats star during the early stages of his career.

Speaking in a recent interview on The Shade Room, Akon recalled that Banky W played a key role in connecting him with Wizkid while the Nigerian singer was still signed to Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). According to Akon, Banky W believed Wizkid had the talent to succeed beyond Nigeria and reached out to explore opportunities that could help expand his reach internationally.

Photo: Facebook

The collaboration eventually led to Wizkid signing with Akon’s music company, Konvict Muzik, through a partnership with EME.

Reflecting on that period, Akon said he was impressed by Wizkid’s talent from the beginning. He added that Banky W strongly believed in the singer’s potential and worked to create opportunities that would introduce his music to audiences outside Africa.

The partnership came at a time when Wizkid was gaining attention with songs from his debut album, “Superstar”, released in 2011. Tracks such as “Holla at Your Boy”, “Don’t Dull” and “Pakurumo” helped establish him as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising artists, attracting interest from international music executives.

Photo: Instagram

The partnership became one of Wizkid’s earliest international career moves, helping expand his exposure beyond Nigeria. In the years that followed, he went on to collaborate with several international stars, including Drake on the chart-topping hit “One Dance”, as well as Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber and many others.

Akon’s comments also highlight Banky W’s contribution to the development of Wizkid’s career. As the founder of EME, Banky W signed Wizkid in 2009 and helped shape his early years in the industry before Wizkid later parted ways with EME and launched his own imprint, Starboy Entertainment.

Today, Wizkid is regarded as one of the biggest African artists of his generation, with Grammy recognition, multiple international awards and sold-out performances across major venues worldwide. Akon’s reflection serves as a reminder of an important chapter in that journey, showing how a connection made through Banky W helped open the door to opportunities that would later contribute to Wizkid’s rise on the global stage.