Nigerian Afrobeats star, Tiwa Savage, has launched a new initiative to support emerging African creatives, unveiling the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation and announcing a partnership that will bring Berklee College of Music to Lagos for the first time.
The 46-year-old singer shared the news on her social media platform on Wednesday, writing, “After years of building globally… It’s time to build at home.”
She described the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation as “a new initiative dedicated to empowering emerging African creatives through access, mentorship and world-class music education,” adding that, “For the first time ever, Berklee comes to Lagos with the Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme empowering Africa’s next generation of talent.”
Berklee College of Music, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is the world’s largest independent college of contemporary music. It is known for its programmes in jazz, modern American music and genres such as rock, hip hop and reggae.
In an interview with CNN, the “Ma Lo” singer said that although Afrobeats has gained global recognition, the industry needs stronger structures to remain sustainable.
“Afrobeats has captured the world’s attention, but attention alone is not enough to sustain an industry. Talent is universal — but access is not,” she said.
According to CNN, the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation aims to address that access gap.
The foundation will not only support vocalists and performers but will also focus on producers, composers, sound engineers and music business professionals. Savage said these areas are important to building a stronger creative economy across Africa.
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The foundation’s first project, titled Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme, will bring Berklee faculty members to Lagos from April 23 to 26, 2026. They will host a fully funded four-day training for 100 emerging Nigerian music creators.
The programme will be Berklee’s first event in West Africa.
Savage highlighted the value of short-term training, saying, “You’d be surprised how much you can learn in four days. It gives you a taste of what’s possible and exposes you to parts of music you may not even realise you’re drawn to.”
The training will combine music theory with practical sessions. Participants will receive lessons in music production, songwriting, harmony, ear training and sound engineering. There will also be sessions on music publishing, copyright and aspects of entertainment law.
The programme will end with live ensemble performances.
Outstanding participants may be considered for future scholarships to study at Berklee in Boston or to enrol in its online courses. The Lagos training is designed to serve as a pathway to further opportunities.
Savage told CNN that the foundation grew out of her personal experience and a desire to make formal music education more accessible.
She noted that tuition at leading international music schools can range between $40,000 and $60,000 per year, excluding living costs, which makes it difficult for many young Africans to enrol.
“It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for years,” she said.
Savage previously received a scholarship to Berklee as a young artist, an opportunity she said changed her perspective.
“That experience changed how I saw music,” she said. “It made me realise that talent alone isn’t enough. Structure, education, and exposure are what allow creatives to compete globally.”
With the launch of the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation and the upcoming programme in Lagos, the award-winning singer is now focused on creating more opportunities for young creatives at home.