Internationally acclaimed artist and Afrobeats pioneer Tiwa Savage today officially launches the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a new philanthropic initiative dedicated to discovering, developing, and empowering the next generation of African music creatives.
The Foundation is rooted in a simple belief that the music industry is far bigger than just the artist alone. 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 on the launch of the Foundation, Tiwa Savage shared;
“Afrobeats has captured the world’s attention but an industry cannot stand on artists alone. Behind every global sound is an ecosystem of Producers, engineers, entertainment lawyers, publishers, innovators, composers, the person who scores the music to your favorite 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.
I know this personally because at the age of 24. I was awarded a scholarship to attend the world-class institution, Berklee College of Music. That opportunity changed my perspective. 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 Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is my commitment in giving others that same opportunity that was given to me because as technology reshapes music, we must be prepared. Artificial Intelligence is transforming everything, the question is not whether it will affect African music … it already is. The question is whether we will be educated leaders in this space, or observers left behind.
For too long, African creatives have been perceived as late to global systems. Education changes that. Access changes that. Ownership changes that.”
Launching with a flagship program, the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation has partnered with Berklee College of Music, the world’s most prestigious contemporary music institution, to bring an immersive educational experience directly to Nigeria.
The inaugural initiative, Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, will take place April 23–26, 2026. Designed as a bridge between Africa’s thriving music economy and global music education standards, the four-day intensive will train 100 students and cover hands-on training across live performance, songwriting, music production, and the business of music, meeting participants at their current level while expanding their technical, creative, and commercial capabilities.
As a Berklee alumna herself, (Berklee PDM ’07), the program reflects her journey from student to global star and her commitment to creating structured pathways for emerging African talent to access elite training, mentorship, and industry insight without leaving the continent.
WATCH THE ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO HERE
Berklee President Jim Lucchese added: “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. The program presents a tremendous and unique opportunity for global artists; I look forward to seeing the artistry and creativity that results from these exciting workshops.”
Jason Camelio, Assistant Vice President for Berklee Global Programs and Partnerships who leads the team that builds and manages Berklee’s programming around the world, said: “our team connects the Berklee community to the world and the world to the Berklee community. 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. We see this program and relationship as a historic pathway forward to enrich our educational and artistic experiences, inspire our students and teachers, and open doors for the next generation of emerging artists.”
The program culminates in a live showcase where participants present their original work that fuses global music styles with West African musical traditions, followed by a closing ceremony and the presentation of scholarship awards. Select participants will receive tailored guidance on advancing their artistic and professional journeys through Berklee’s in-person and online programs.
The Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program will run daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Applications are now open through March 20, 2026, to emerging musicians, producers, songwriters, and creators across Africa. Admission is highly selective. There is no tuition cost for accepted participants; however, attendees will be responsible for their travel and accommodation in Lagos.
At its core, the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is about expanding what’s possible, showing young Africans the many careers within music and providing them with the access and resources to pursue them.
To apply and learn more, visit:
https://www.berklee.edu/
