Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has officially launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a new initiative aimed at expanding access to music education, mentorship and industry opportunities for emerging African creatives.
The foundation’s debut project is a partnership with Berklee College of Music, one of the world’s leading contemporary music institutions.
Together, they are rolling out the Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, a four-day, fully funded training initiative scheduled to take place in Lagos from April 23 to 26, 2026.
The collaboration will provide structured training in performance, songwriting, music production, sound engineering and music business.
The program is designed to equip participants with both creative and commercial skills necessary to navigate the global music industry.
Berklee confirmed the partnership in an announcement detailing its commitment to supporting African talent through educational outreach.
The institution noted that the programme will blend classroom instruction with hands-on workshops and live performance opportunities.
Tiwa Savage, who previously studied at Berklee on scholarship, said the foundation reflects her desire to create pathways for others.
“Afrobeats has grown globally, and I felt a responsibility to help build a structure behind the sound. Not just spotlighting the artistes—this foundation is really my way of turning gratitude into opportunity and investing in the ecosystem that will sustain our legacy. Music opened doors for me. I’ve always seen how many talented creatives never really get access to training, mentorship, and industry pathways,” Savage, born Tiwatope Omolara Savage, shared.
The Lagos intensive will train 100 selected participants drawn from across Nigeria and other African countries. Organisers say the selection process will prioritise talent, potential and commitment to professional growth.
Participants will receive mentorship from Berklee faculty and established industry professionals.
The curriculum will focus on practical skills, including live performance preparation, songwriting techniques, studio production, publishing rights, branding and music entrepreneurship.
The programme will conclude with a live showcase where participants will perform original material before invited industry stakeholders.
According to organisers, selected participants may also receive guidance on pursuing further studies at Berklee, either on campus in Boston or through its online platforms.
“Africa is filled with incredible talent,” she said. “What we need is structure and access.”
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation aims to help close that gap by creating sustainable educational platforms rather than one-off events.
Organisers stressed that the foundation is not solely focused on singers or performers.
The initiative also targets producers, sound engineers, songwriters, composers, managers and music executives, recognising that the music industry depends on a broad ecosystem of professionals.
Berklee representatives stated that the programme’s multidisciplinary structure reflects the realities of today’s music business, where artists must understand both creative and operational aspects of their careers.