The dawn of 2026 saw Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage trending on social media, but not for a new musical release. Instead, the Afrobeats queen found herself at the centre of online discourse following the emergence of a video from her personal prayer session.
A Viral Moment of Faith
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, a clip from Tiwa Savage's online prayer session surfaced and quickly captured the attention of netizens. In the video, the mother of one expressed profound gratitude to God, stating she had kept her focus on her faith despite challenges. "I thank God that I have kept my eyes on Him, I haven't fallen, even though the enemy has tried me," she said in the emotional footage.
She further hinted at a spiritual rededication, choosing a path of faith: "It may take me long but I will rather take the narrow road and know that God is with me." This public display of devotion comes months after she made headlines in late 2025 for attending Harvesters International Christian Church with her son, Jamil, where she was acknowledged by Pastor Bolaji Idowu.
Netizens Draw Parallels with Tonto Dikeh
The timing of Tiwa's video sparked immediate comparisons to another celebrity's very public faith journey. Nollywood actress and politician Tonto Dikeh has been the subject of numerous viral videos showcasing her intense prayer sessions and renewed commitment to Christianity throughout 2025.
This similarity did not escape the watchful eyes of Nigerian social media users. Comments flooded in, with many drawing direct parallels between the two celebrities' online spiritual expressions.
Key reactions from netizens included:
- @William19Prisca quipped: "She and Tonto Dikeh operating from same WhatsApp group."
- @ak_ade questioned the authenticity: "Una don dey pray with camera. How do you go deep in prayer knowing the camera is rolling?"
- @devil_signature offered a defence: "No one should criticise her. before you people criticise her, remember Mary Magdalene in the Bible and her closeness to Jesus."
- @kelechiajax humorously noted a personal omission: "I don't hear my name for ur prayer.. after all the support."
More Than a Trend: A Pattern of Emotional Vulnerability
This is not the first time Tiwa Savage has displayed raw emotion publicly, leading to a viral moment. Legit.ng had previously reported an instance where the singer broke down in tears during a concert performance, a moment that was widely praised for its authenticity and heartfelt connection to her music.
The prayer video continues this pattern, showcasing a side of the superstar that fans seldom see. While it has attracted some scepticism regarding the filming of private devotion, it has also resonated with many who see it as a genuine step in her personal journey.
As 2026 unfolds, the public fascination with the spiritual lives of Nigerian celebrities shows no sign of waning. The online reactions to Tiwa Savage's New Year prayer highlight the fine line public figures walk between sharing their personal faith and facing public scrutiny for it.
