Nigerian Afro‑beat singers Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay have publicly ended a five‑year feud that began with a public clash in a Lagos salon in 2021. The reconciliation took place during the graduation concert for the 2026 class of Berklee College of Music’s Nigeria campus, held on Thursday in Lagos, where the two artists embraced onstage, prompting an outpouring of reactions on social media.
The dispute originated after Tiwa Savage released a diss track that referenced Seyi Shay, followed by rumors that Savage had been obstructing opportunities for other female musicians. Both singers denied any formal allegations, but the tension was evident when the two confronted each other in a Lagos hair salon, an incident that was widely reported in the Nigerian press.
In an interview earlier this year, Seyi Shay indicated she was willing to resolve the conflict, stating her intention to “make peace” with Savage. Six months later, the gesture materialised on stage; a video of the embrace quickly trended online, with netizens commenting on the emotional significance of the moment.
The reconciliation was part of the Berklee in Nigeria Class of 2026 Graduation Concert, an event celebrating the first cohort of students completing the American music school’s program in Lagos. Organisers confirmed the performance was scheduled as a collaborative showcase, and the artists’ on‑stage interaction was not pre‑planned.
Industry observers note that the resolution may have broader implications for the Nigerian music scene, where rivalries can impact collaborative opportunities and audience perception. Both artists have maintained active release schedules, and their renewed camaraderie could open avenues for joint projects or joint advocacy for women in the industry.
The video of the embrace has been shared across multiple platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, where it has amassed thousands of views and comments praising the duo for “putting an end to drama” and “setting a positive example.” No official statements from the singers’ management teams have been released beyond the event footage.
The end of the feud underscores a shift toward unity among high‑profile Afro‑beat performers and may influence future interactions within the genre’s competitive landscape.
