Tiwa Savage Launches Music Foundation to Empower African Creatives
Afrobeats icon Tiwa Savage has officially launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to discovering, developing, and empowering the next generation of African music creatives. The foundation aims to provide structured, world-class training and resources across the continent, particularly targeting underrepresented communities.
Expanding Access to Music Industry Careers
The foundation is rooted in the belief that the music industry extends far beyond performing artists alone. Behind every successful musical production are producers, songwriters, sound engineers, music executives, and various creative professionals who shape cultural narratives. However, across Africa, access to comprehensive training for these crucial roles remains limited.
Tiwa Savage explained her vision during the foundation's launch: "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."
She added: "This foundation is my way of creating a platform that helps African music creatives understand what's possible and gives them 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."
Partnership with Berklee College of Music
The foundation has established a significant partnership with Berklee College of Music, the world's most prestigious contemporary music institution. This collaboration will bring immersive educational experiences directly to Nigeria and other African nations, eliminating the need for aspiring creatives to travel abroad for elite training.
As a Berklee alumna herself (Berklee PDM '07), Tiwa Savage's personal educational journey informs this partnership. The initiative reflects her transition from student to global superstar and her commitment to creating structured pathways for emerging African talent.
Inaugural Program Details
The foundation's first major initiative will be the Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, scheduled to take place in Lagos from April 23-26, 2026. This four-day intensive program will train 100 selected students through hands-on sessions covering:
- Live performance techniques
- Songwriting and composition
- Music production and engineering
- Music business and industry insights
The program is designed to meet participants at their current skill levels while expanding their technical, creative, and commercial capabilities. It will culminate in a live showcase where participants present original work that fuses global music styles with West African musical traditions.
Application and Selection Process
Applications for the intensive program are now open through March 20, 2026, targeting emerging musicians, producers, songwriters, and creators across Africa. Admission is described as highly selective, with no tuition cost for accepted participants. However, attendees will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements in Lagos.
Select participants will receive tailored guidance on advancing their artistic and professional journeys through Berklee's in-person and online programs, with scholarship awards presented during the closing ceremony.
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation represents a significant step toward professionalizing Africa's creative industries, providing sustainable career pathways beyond performance alone, and ensuring that African talent can compete on global stages while remaining connected to their cultural roots.
