Tiwa Savage has taken a decisive step toward shaping the future of African music through her foundation, which recently concluded its first major training programme in Lagos.
The initiative, led by the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, wrapped up with a showcase and award ceremony at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. The event marked the end of a four-day intensive programme designed to equip emerging talents with practical and industry-relevant skills.
Branded “Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program,” the training ran from April 23 to April 26, 2026. It brought together 100 creatives from across Africa for sessions focused on songwriting, music production, live performance, and the business side of the industry.
The programme was delivered in collaboration with the Berklee College of Music, offering participants exposure to globally recognised training standards while remaining in Nigeria.
At the closing event, attendees experienced live performances of original songs developed during the programme. The showcase highlighted a mix of genres, including Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and experimental sounds, drawing a crowd of industry professionals and music enthusiasts.
A major highlight of the evening was the announcement of top-performing participants, who were awarded full three-year scholarships to Berklee College of Music.
Speaking at the event, Savage stressed the importance of investing in talent beyond performance alone. She noted that while African music continues to gain international traction, many young artists still lack access to structured training and mentorship.
According to her, the foundation aims to bridge that gap by creating opportunities that were previously unavailable to many artists at the start of their careers. She also emphasised the need for creatives to understand both the artistic and commercial aspects of music.
Beyond technical training, the programme fostered collaboration among participants, allowing them to build networks with instructors and fellow creatives—connections expected to extend beyond the duration of the initiative.
With its inaugural programme completed, the foundation has signalled a new model for artist-led development in Africa, one that combines mentorship, education, and international collaboration to nurture the next wave of global music talent.
