Tiwa Savage Foundation: 18 Nigerians get over $2 million scholarships
Lagos, a city renowned for shaping Africa’s music culture, is carving out space for the next generation of stars with a new initiative championed by one of the stars from
Lagos, a city renowned for shaping Africa’s music culture, is carving out space for the next generation of stars with a new initiative championed by one of the stars from the city, Tiwa Savage.
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, an initiative by Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage, which is designed to support and nurture the next generation of creative talent across the country, marked a significant milestone with the grand finale of its inaugural training programme.
With the theme, ‘Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program,’ the programme culminated in a showcase and award ceremony at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.
Held from April 23, 2026 to April 26, 2026, the programme brought together 100 emerging creatives from across the continent for a four-day immersive experience designed to bridge the gap between raw talent and global opportunity.
In partnership with Berklee College of Music in Boston, the initiative offered participants hands-on training in songwriting, music production, performance, and the business of music. Critical areas that are often overlooked in traditional talent development spaces.
The closing event on Sunday, April 26, 2026, was a celebration of creativity, and the possibilities that come with structured mentorship.
Participants took to the stage to perform original compositions developed during the programme, reflecting a blend of Afrobeat, R&B, soul, and experimental sounds. The atmosphere was electric, with industry stakeholders, music executives, and fans gathered to witness what one could describe as a glimpse into the future of African music.
At the heart of the evening was the announcement of standout participants who would receive full three-year scholarships to Berklee College of Music.
Speaking about the vision behind the foundation, Tiwa Savage emphasised the need to invest in talent beyond the spotlight.
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While Africa’s music scene continues to gain global recognition, she noted that access to structured education and mentorship remains limited for many aspiring artists.
“This is about creating opportunities that didn’t exist for many of us when we started,” she said.
“It’s not just about being on stage — it’s about understanding the craft, the business, and the power of music as a global language.”
By collaborating with Berklee, the foundation positions itself at the stage for local talent and global standards, offering participants a rare opportunity to learn within an internationally recognised framework without leaving the continent — at least initially.
Beyond the scholarships, the programme’s impact is evident in the connections formed over the four days.
Participants engaged directly with experienced instructors and peers, building networks that could extend far beyond the duration of the programme.
As the final performances came to a close and the applause littered the halls of the event venue, one thing was clear: The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation has set a precedent for what artist-led initiatives can achieve when backed by intention, structure, and global partnerships.
