Afrobeats sensation Tiwa Savage has captured attention on social media after a video showed her respectfully greeting former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
In the viral clip, Savage performed a slight bow in accordance with Yoruba cultural traditions, a gesture that drew widespread admiration from Nigerians online. The video was shared on X by former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad, who captioned it:
“Culture is a thing of pride in this part of the world, look at how Tiwa Savage culturally greets Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York.”
Social media users praised the singer for showcasing Nigerian heritage on a global platform. X user #btunddej commented:
“That’s how we were raised. Bowing or kneeling doesn’t diminish us one bit; it only commands respect from the receiver. As the Yorùbá say: Ìkí kì í ṣe ẹrú, àṣà ló ń jẹ kí a dá orí ṣubú (greeting does not make one a slave, it is culture that makes us bow).”
Another user, #OMONIGERIA1, added:
“This is the training we received. This is our upbringing, which cannot be questioned. A proper Omooluabi will not look elders in the eyes. You can see the way she is dodging eye contact.”
Even some critics were challenged online, with #MonwoluwaS asking, “Where are the ‘They are using hunger to subdue us being’? Se Tiwa Savage is hungry ni?”
The clip has sparked a wider discussion on the importance of cultural etiquette and respect, with Tiwa Savage’s gesture celebrated as a proud representation of Nigerian traditions on the international stage.
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