Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage launches foundation for young artists
The Nigerian artist launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation in partnership with the United States’ Berklee College of Music to bring world-class training straight to the heart of Lagos
Nigerian Afrobeats icon Tiwa Savage has conquered global stages, mentored the next generation on reality TV, and now is about to become the fairy godmother of African music.
The 46-year-old Nigerian artist has just launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation and is partnering with the United States’ legendary Berklee College of Music to bring world-class training straight to the heart of Lagos. And the best part? It won't cost applicants a single cent.
From April 23–26, 2026, Berklee faculty will be in Nigeria for a fully-funded, four-day intensive boot camp for 100 lucky emerging music creators. This isn't just another workshop—it's the first-ever Berklee event in West Africa, happening on the continent’s turf.
In a recent interview with CNN, Tiwa Savage said: "Afrobeats has captured the world's attention, but attention alone isn't enough to sustain an industry. Talent is universal—but access is not."
She said “structure, education, and exposure” are fundamental for creatives to compete globally.
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation partnership with Berklee College of Music packs serious firepower into four days of music production, songwriting, harmony, ear training, and the business stuff like publishing, copyright and entertainment law, which helps creatives pay their bills.
Participants will even showcase their skills in live ensemble performances, with top standouts gaining scholarships to Berklee's Boston campus or online courses.
This move couldn’t come at a better time. With streaming revenues soaring past $110 million in Sub-Saharan Africa and Afrobeats streams jumping 500% on Spotify, the world is listening to the continent.
With international music schools charging $40,000–$60,000 annually, excluding living costs, Tiwa Savage is deliberately smashing barriers. Her foundation targets not just artists but producers, engineers, and business professionals.
Tiwa Savage, who also once received training at the Berklee College, said her own dream is to eventually launch a permanent music school in Nigeria, an institution she hopes will outlive her in offering "structure, opportunity, and ownership for future generations."