Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage has set social media ablaze with a fiery retort directed at a follower who questioned her choice of transportation at a recent public event.
The Viral Video That Started It All
The drama unfolded after a video clip began circulating online showing the celebrated singer, elegantly dressed in black, waving to enthusiastic crowds from the back of an open pickup truck during a festive parade. The sight of the superstar opting for this mode of transport, however, did not sit well with one particular social media user.
A follower with the username marcussmith04 commented on the post, writing, "Omo Tiwa downgrading herself." This criticism implied that the singer was lowering her status by not using a more luxurious vehicle.
Tiwa Savage's Unapologetic Clapback
Not one to let such commentary slide, the Afrobeats queen fired back with a response that has since gone viral. In a sharp and dismissive reply, Tiwa Savage put the critic firmly in their place.
"marcussmith04 Mumu said downgrade... I went from a pickup truck to a Gulfstream. Una no get respect for your elders. I get money pass your papa," she wrote. This iconic line, "I get money pass your papa" (meaning "I have more money than your father"), instantly became the focal point of the online exchange, underscoring her wealth and dismissing the judgment as baseless.
Mixed Reactions Flood Social Media
The singer's bold clapback sparked a wave of reactions across various platforms, with netizens largely divided on the incident.
Many users came to Tiwa's defense, praising her confidence and highlighting her achievements. User adesope_shopsydoo commented, "Imaging saying she downgraded? Someone that is busy touring the world, living her dreams and taking care of her family and friends … some people on social media just say whatever."
Others found humor in the situation, particularly the mention of the critic's father. dredc001 joked, "Papa sitdown jejeli for village minding his business and bullet still go meet am.." implying the father was an innocent casualty of his child's online behavior.
However, some felt the response was too harsh. User longlivezion_ stated, "If I be that guy senior brother. I Swer I'll not accept him as blood brother again for letting Tiwa insult our papa."
The incident, which took place in early January 2026, continues to be a major talking point, highlighting the often intense and judgmental nature of celebrity interactions on social media. It also showcases Tiwa Savage's trademark assertiveness and unwillingness to conform to arbitrary standards of luxury and status imposed by outsiders.
