Nigerian Afrobeats powerhouse Tiwa Savage has taken a bold step beyond the stage, unveiling the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a new initiative designed to nurture the next generation of African music professionals.
This isn’t just about spotlighting singers. The foundation is built to support the full engine room of the industry: producers, songwriters, sound engineers, executives, and other creative talents who often work behind the scenes.
The goal? To bridge what organizers describe as the gap in access to top-tier music education and professional training across parts of Africa.
Speaking at the launch, Savage reflected on Afrobeats’ explosive global rise — and the urgent need to strengthen the structure behind it.
“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.”
She drew from her own journey, recalling how studying at Berklee College of Music on scholarship at 24 reshaped her worldview.
“That opportunity changed my perspective,” she said. “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.”
Savage also pointed to the rapid evolution of technology — including artificial intelligence — and stressed the importance of preparing African creatives for what’s ahead.
“The question is whether we will be educated leaders in this space, or observers left behind,” she said.
As part of its debut programme, the foundation has partnered with Berklee to bring a four-day intensive training to Nigeria titled Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program. Scheduled for April 23–26, 2026, the initiative will train 100 selected participants in live performance, songwriting, music production, and the business side of music.
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The programme will run daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., ending with a live showcase of original work, a closing ceremony, and scholarship presentations. Participants will also receive guidance on further studies through Berklee’s on-campus and online pathways.
Berklee President Jim Lucchese described the initiative as the school’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 said. “The program presents a tremendous and unique opportunity for global artists.”
Similarly, Jason Camelio, Berklee’s assistant vice-president for global programmes and partnerships, highlighted the importance of working closely with artists who understand the local scene.
“These educational experiences are best accomplished with the knowledge and expertise of leading artists and alumni. There is no better way to connect with the music community in Nigeria than with Tiwa Savage,” Camelio said.
Applications are open until March 20, 2026, for emerging musicians, producers, and songwriters across Africa. While tuition is fully covered for selected candidates, participants will handle their travel and accommodation expenses in Lagos.
Beyond this first programme, the foundation has a wider vision: to expand awareness of music-related career paths and give young African creatives access to the training and professional development they need to build sustainable, long-term careers.
For Tiwa Savage, it’s more than an initiative — it’s about building the house behind the hit songs.
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