Tiwa Savage speaks on raising her son with discipline despite fame

Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage has opened up about her parenting style, revealing that she is deliberately raising her son, Jamil, with discipline and clear boundaries despite her wealth and celebrity status.

The singer shared her thoughts via a series of Instagram stories inspired by a video from business leader and pastor Ibukun Awosika. Quoting Awosika, Tiwa cautioned parents against allowing their personal success to “kill their children’s ambition.”

According to her, children who grow up having everything handed to them may struggle later in life with drive, passion and ambition. She explained that lacking something often fuels determination and the desire to succeed.

“A dream should be something bigger than your reality — something you wish you had that you don’t already,” she wrote.

Tiwa said she has already begun applying this philosophy in raising Jamil, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun. While she sometimes travels by private jet, she disclosed that her son now flies economy class whenever they travel on commercial flights.

Recalling a recent trip, the singer said Jamil complained about neck pain and limited legroom during an economy flight. She found his complaints amusing, noting that his legs were still too short to reach the seat in front. Despite travelling with his nanny, Tiwa said she had to check on him frequently because he was upset about the seating arrangement.

Beyond travel, Tiwa revealed that she is also teaching her son the importance of earning rewards. She explained that Jamil can no longer ask for items like Roblox freely, but must earn them through house chores or good academic performance.

“He has to earn it by doing house chores or when he gets good grades,” she said.

She added that her son is restricted from using an iPad, eating snacks or having candy during weekdays, while Bible study has become a nightly routine before bedtime.

Despite these firm rules, Tiwa stressed that Jamil is a well-behaved child, describing him as “a really good kid.” She emphasised that her approach is rooted in love and a desire to lay a strong foundation for his future.

“I am intentional about setting a good foundation for him,” she said, adding that this, to her, is what genuine love looks like.

Tiwa Savage, one of Africa’s most successful female musicians, has consistently spoken about motherhood and the realities of raising a child in the public eye since welcoming Jamil in 2015.