College of Music to Empower the Next Generation of African Talent
Lagos, Nigeria – Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – 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;
“I wanted to build something that opens people’s eyes to the full scope of what’s possible in music. The person who composed the score for a film, who creates music for global campaigns, or who uses music as a tool for healing. These are meaningful, sustainable careers that don’t always exist in the spotlight. This foundation is my way of creating a platform that helps African music creatives understand what’s possible, and gives them the access, guidance, and support to pursue those paths with confidence. At this point in my career, I’m incredibly grateful for everything music has given me, and it means a lot to be able to give back in a way that creates real opportunity for others. This day has been years in the making, and I’m so excited to finally share it.”
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.
“Berklee has been an important part of my journey,” said Tiwa Savage_. “My time as a young student helped shape how I see music, creativity, and the business side of it all. Being able to bring this program back home to Nigeria at an exciting time of the music industry means everything to me. I’m humbled to build this bridge to talent who deserve such world-class training and experience needed to thrive in this field.”_
WATCH THE ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO HERE
Videographer credit; George Ezeala | IG@gzy___ __
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.”
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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/berkleeontheroad
Social Media
@tiwasavage @tiwasavagemusicfoundation @berkleecollege
ABOUT THE TIWA SAVAGE MUSIC FOUNDATION
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is a philanthropic initiative founded by multi award-winning global music artist Tiwa Savage. The Foundation is dedicated to empowering emerging talent through music, education, and creative opportunity by providing access to world class music training, mentorship, and resources across the African continent, particularly aimed at underrepresented or underserved communities.
Rooted in the belief that music is a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence, and social change, the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation aims to nurture the next generation of creatives while fostering pathways to sustainable careers within the music and creative industries.
Through strategic partnerships, community-driven programs, and targeted initiatives, theFoundation is committed to creating lasting impact and expanding access to opportunities across Africa and beyond.
ABOUT BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC
Berklee College of Music is the preeminent institute of contemporary music, offering undergraduate, graduate degree programs, and other capacity building programs at its campuses in Boston, New York City, and Valencia, Spain, and through Berklee Online. Dedicated to nurturing the creative and career potential of the world’s most inspired artists, Berklee’s commitment to arts education is reflected in the work of its students, faculty, and alumni, hundreds of whom have been recognized with Grammys, Emmys, Tonys, and Academy Awards.