Tiwa Savage Launches Music Foundation with Berklee Program in Lagos

LAGOS, NIGERIA — 2026-02-26
Updated: 11:15 GMT

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Tiwa Savage has unveiled the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation and announced a partnership with the Berklee College of Music to deliver world-class music training in West Africa, according to reporting by CNN International and regional media reports.

Savage made the announcement on her social media platforms and in interviews, saying the foundation will support emerging African music creators through education, mentorship, and access to professional development. The initiative’s flagship project, Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Programme, will bring Berklee faculty to Lagos from April 23 to 26, 2026, to lead a fully funded four-day training for 100 selected participants.

For the first time ever, Berklee comes to Lagos with the Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program empowering Africa’s next generation of talent.

Apply Here - https://t.co/YndRfhRbIc#BerkleeTSMFpic.twitter.com/PMgOge3vTl

— Tiwa Savage Music Foundation (@TSMFOFFICIAL) February 25, 2026

Officials said the programme will cover key areas including music production, songwriting, sound engineering, harmony and ear training, as well as music publishing, copyright and entertainment law — disciplines aimed at strengthening creative and technical skills among participants.

Savage, who studied at Berklee College of Music on scholarship in her youth, told CNN Africa that although Afrobeats has gained global prominence, broader educational support is needed to sustain industry growth. She said the foundation’s work extends beyond performers to include producers, composers, engineers, and music business professionals.

The foundation’s first programme marks Berklee’s first-ever hosted event in West Africa, and organisers said graduates may be considered for future study opportunities either through Berklee’s Boston campus or online courses.

Savage said applications for the Lagos programme opened on February 24, 2026, and will close on March 20, 2026. Accepted participants will not pay tuition fees, though they are responsible for travel and accommodation to Lagos.

Representatives of the foundation said its broader mission is to increase access to structured music education across the continent and to build a sustainable creative ecosystem rooted in African talent and global expertise.

Africa’s music sector has recorded substantial growth in recent years, and the initiative reflects efforts to bolster professional development in the industry while nurturing a new generation of skilled creatives.