Tiwa Savage Set to Train 100 Rising Music Talents

Global Afrobeats icon Tiwa Savage is expanding her impact beyond the stage with the launch of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a new initiative aimed at widening access to world-class music education in Nigeria. In partnership with Berklee College of Music, the foundation will host its first major project, the Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program. Scheduled to take place in Lagos from April 23–26, 2026, the fully funded four-day intensive will train 100 emerging Nigerian artists and music professionals. It marks Berklee’s first-ever program in West Africa, highlighting the region’s growing influence in the global music economy. Speaking to CNN, Savage emphasized that while Afrobeats has gained international recognition, long-term sustainability requires structure and education. The program will blend music theory with practical industry training, covering music production, songwriting, sound engineering, harmony, ear training, publishing, copyright, and entertainment law. The initiative will conclude with live ensemble performances, with exceptional participants potentially earning scholarships to study at Berklee’s Boston campus or access online courses. This positions the program as a gateway to long-term academic and professional opportunities rather than a one-time workshop. Savage, who previously attended Berklee on scholarship, credits the experience with reshaping her understanding of the music business beyond performance, from production and engineering to publishing and film scoring. She says the foundation was created to close the access gap, noting that tuition at leading international music schools can range between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, excluding living costs, far beyond the reach of many young African creatives. The foundation’s broader mission extends beyond artists to include producers, composers, engineers, and music business professionals, reinforcing the idea that a sustainable music industry depends on a strong ecosystem. The timing is significant. Sub-Saharan Africa is currently one of the fastest-growing recorded music markets globally, with revenues surpassing $110 million in 2024, according to the IFPI, while Afrobeats streams on Spotify have surged more than 500% over the past five years. Looking ahead, Savage plans to expand the foundation’s work by offering more scholarships for Nigerian students to study in Boston and eventually establishing a permanent music school in Nigeria; a long-term vision aimed at creating lasting infrastructure, ownership, and opportunity for future generations of African creatives. Applications for the 2026 intensive program open February 24 and close March 20, with all tuition costs fully covered for selected participants.