Out Of Africa: Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage Launches Music Foundation To Develop Emerging African Talent
Nigerian pop superstar Tiwa Savage, in partnership with Berklee College of Music … Has officially launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a new philanthropic initiative dedicated to discovering, developing, and empowering the next generation of African music professionals. The Foundation is rooted in the belief that the music industry is far bigger than just the artiste. Behind every […]
Black News 
Nigerian pop superstar Tiwa Savage, in partnership with Berklee College of Music …
Has officially launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a new philanthropic initiative dedicated to discovering, developing, and empowering the next generation of African music professionals.
The Foundation is rooted in the belief that the music industry is far bigger than just the artiste. Behind every global hit are producers, songwriters, sound engineers, music executives, and creative professionals whose work shapes culture. Yet across Africa, access to structured, world-class training for these careers remains limited. The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation was created to expand that access, building pathways not only for performers, but for the broader ecosystem that sustains the music industry.
Speaking at the launch, Savage said the growth of Afrobeats on the global stage requires stronger industry infrastructure behind artists.
“Afrobeats has captured the world’s attention but an industry cannot stand on artists alone,” she said. “Behind every global sound is an ecosystem of producers, engineers, entertainment lawyers, publishers, innovators, composers, the person who scores the music to your favourite movie or the person who uses music as a tool for healing. These are the architects of structure, ownership and longevity. If we do not intentionally develop them, we weaken the very house we are trying to grow.”
Savage referenced her own experience studying at Berklee College of Music, where she was awarded a scholarship at the age of 24.
“That opportunity changed my perspective,” she noted. “It expanded my understanding of global systems, and the power of knowledge behind creativity. It showed me that talent is universal, but access is not.”
The inaugural initiative, Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, will take place from 23rd to 26th April 2026. Designed as a bridge between Africa’s thriving music economy and global music education standards, the four-day intensive programme will train 100 students and provide hands-on instruction in live performance, songwriting, music production, and the business of music. Learning sessions will run daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will conclude with a live showcase featuring original work by participants, followed by a closing ceremony and scholarship presentations. Selected participants will also receive guidance on further study opportunities through Berklee’s in-person and online offerings.
Berklee president Jim Lucchese described the initiative as the institution’s first “Berklee on the Road” programme in Nigeria.
“The Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, our first-ever Berklee on the Road in Nigeria, will continue to increase access to Berklee’s curriculum around the world through the generosity and collaborative spirit of one of our most accomplished and dedicated alums,” Lucchese stated. “The program presents a tremendous and unique opportunity for global artists.”
Applications for the programme are open until 20th March 2026 to emerging musicians, producers and songwriters across Africa. There is no tuition cost for accepted participants; however, attendees will be responsible for their travel and accommodation in Lagos.
Apply to the Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program here.
